Louisiana enacts sweeping new laws on Aug. 1 covering deepfakes, balloon bans, and consumer protections

On August 1, 2024 a broad package of statutes took effect in Louisiana after the Legislature passed more than 900 bills. The measures address technology‑related crimes, consumer protections, public safety and education.

New AI provisions make it a felony to create or distribute child sexual‑abuse material using deep‑fake technology and prohibit using a child’s image to train AI for such content. A separate act bans the intentional release of twelve or more balloons, with exemptions for scientific, meteorological and tracking purposes.

Consumer‑focused changes prohibit retailers from adding surcharges to debit‑card payments and increase penalties for assaults on restaurant and front‑counter employees. The state also requires schools to develop hazing‑prevention policies and creates an online database of reported hazing incidents.

Additional bills affect student‑athlete name, image and likeness rights, expand first‑degree murder definitions to cover gang‑related shootings, create a new cruelty‑to‑the‑elderly offense, and allow law‑enforcement seizure of off‑road vehicles used in violations. Attorney General Liz Murrill reminded residents of these changes.