Louisiana HB844 - School Zone Definition for Wireless Device Use
Louisiana Legislative Events
Summary
Louisiana House Bill 844 passed the House on April 7, 2026, by a vote of 101-0. The bill defines the term 'school zone' relative to the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunication device. The bill originated in the Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee and was amended by House Floor Amendment #3102 before final passage. The bill has been ordered to the Senate for further consideration.
What changed
Louisiana HB844 establishes a statutory definition of 'school zone' specifically for purposes of wireless telecommunication device use while operating a motor vehicle. The bill cleared the House unanimously and now proceeds to the Senate. The legislation includes an 'EG NO IMPACT' note, suggesting minimal fiscal or operational impact. Once enacted, the definition may affect enforcement of existing distracted driving statutes in school zone areas.
For affected parties, this bill represents a clarification rather than a new prohibition. Drivers should be aware that a formal definition of school zone for wireless device purposes is being codified, which could affect how existing distracted driving laws are applied in school zone contexts. The unanimous House passage indicates strong legislative support, and parties with interest in wireless device regulations or school zone traffic safety should monitor Senate action.
What to do next
- Monitor HB844 progress through the Louisiana Senate
- Review current state wireless device laws in anticipation of any definitional updates
- Track for any compliance obligations once bill is enacted
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / Louisiana / HB844 Passed HB844 House Bill Passed 2026-02-27
Defines the term "school zone" relative to the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunication device (EG NO IMPACT See Note)
Bill Details
State Louisiana
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber House
Official Source www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26r...
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Sponsors
Bryan Fontenot (Rep - R)
Action History
2026-04-07 H Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 101, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate. 2026-04-01 H Scheduled for floor debate on 04/07/2026. 2026-03-31 H Read by title, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading. 2026-03-30 H Reported favorably (16-0). 2026-03-09 H Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works. 2026-02-27 H First appeared in the Interim Calendar on 2/27/2026. 2026-02-27 H Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works. 2026-02-27 H Prefiled.
Votes
2026-04-07 House Vote on HB 844 FINAL PASSAGE (#322) Yea: 101 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-02-27 H Transportation, Highways and Public Works
Amendments
0000-00-00 House Floor Amendment #3102 Fontenot Adopted Adopted
Bill Text Versions
0000-00-00 Introduced 0000-00-00 Engrossed 0000-00-00 Engrossed
Subjects
MTR VEHICLE/VIOLATIONS Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
Named provisions
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