Louisiana Bill Aims to Restrict Access to Graphic Crime Scene Evidence

Lawmakers advance legislation to protect victims' families, but transparency concerns remain.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Louisiana lawmakers have advanced a bill that would restrict public access to certain graphic crime scene photos, videos, and audio evidence used in criminal trials. Supporters say the change is needed to prevent disturbing images from spreading online and protect victims' families, but critics worry it could limit transparency and public access to important information.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation highlights the ongoing tension between protecting victims' privacy and upholding the public's right to information about criminal cases. While the goal is to shield families from seeing graphic evidence of their loved ones online, there are concerns the law could give clerks too much discretion in determining what evidence is 'gruesome' and should be restricted.

The details

Senate Bill 106 would prevent the public from obtaining copies of crime scene photos, videos, and audio that show autopsies, assaults, or 'gruesome injuries' unless a judge approves. Currently, clerks of court have allowed the public to view this type of evidence introduced in criminal trials. Supporters argue the change is needed to stop disturbing images from spreading online, but some lawmakers worry about letting clerks interpret what evidence is too graphic.

  • The bill has been approved by the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee and now heads to the full Senate for further debate.

The players

Senator Caleb Kleinpeter

The Louisiana state senator who introduced the bill to restrict access to graphic crime scene evidence.

Amanda Gross Thies

The West Baton Rouge Clerk of Court who currently allows public access to crime scene evidence introduced in trials.

State Senator Gary Carter

A Louisiana state senator who expressed concerns about clerks interpreting what evidence is too 'gruesome' to be public.

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What they’re saying

“'Many times our public defenders are sealing these images and videos during the trial or at the conclusion of the trial. but many times they are not.'”

— Amanda Gross Thies, West Baton Rouge Clerk of Court

“'I'm not familiar with where clerks have to like interpret evidence, but this will require some interpretation – even if it's minor – of evidence.'”

— State Senator Gary Carter, Louisiana State Senator

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Louisiana Senate for further debate and consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing victims' privacy with the public's right to information about criminal cases. While protecting families from seeing graphic evidence online is the goal, there are concerns the law could give clerks too much discretion and limit transparency around important criminal proceedings.