Gov. Edwards Signs Hate Crimes Bill Into Law

May 26 2016 | Whats New

On May 25, 2016, Governor John Bel Edwards signed HB 953 which makes it a hate crime to target victims of certain violent crimes based on a victim's actual or perceived employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMS employee. FOP National Secretary Pat Yoes and Louisiana FOP President Darrell Basco had the honor of being with Governor Edwards as he signed the legislation into law. The addition of employment as a law enforcement officer to hate crimes legislation is part of the National FOP's legislative priorities. We are proud that Louisiana, thanks to the hard work of Rep. Lance Harris, FOP National Secretary Pat Yoes, and La. FOP President Darrell Basco, becomes the first state in the nation to enact such legislation.