Action Alert #11 HB1107 – Intellectual Disability and the Death Penalty

URGENT

HB1107 by Rep. Michael Melerine – Intellectual Disability and the Death Penalty.

This bill will be heard Thursday, April 23rd, at 10 AM.

House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee

What is this bill about?

HB1107 sets rules for how courts decide if a person has an intellectual disability in death penalty cases. This matters because people with intellectual disabilities cannot be executed under federal law.

Why this matters?

Some parts of this bill may make it harder for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to be recognized. This could affect whether someone is protected under the law.

Key Concerns

Focus on IQ scores

• The bill uses IQ scores in a strict way
• But IQ is a range, not one fixed number

Daily life skills may be missed

• Doctors look at how people live day to day
• This includes communication, choices, and independence
• These are called adaptive skills

High level of proof

• The bill requires strong proof of disability
• This may not match how doctors do evaluations

Strict rules

• The bill sets firm rules
• These rules may not show the full picture of a person

Why is this important?

People with I/DD have different strengths and needs. Some people may seem fine in one setting but still need support in daily life.

It is important that decisions about disability:

• Include real-life experiences
• Look at the whole person
• Follow current medical standards
• Let experts fully explain their findings

How to Take Action

The hearing is tomorrow, so the committee needs to hear from you TODAY!

Email the Committee

[email protected]

Email the Chairwoman and Vice-Chair

Chairwoman Rep. Debbie Villio – [email protected]

Vice-Chair Rep. Vanessa LaFleur – [email protected]

Email Committee Members

Rep. Roy Daryl Adams – [email protected]

Rep. Doyle Boudreaux – [email protected]

Rep. Chad Boyer – [email protected]

Rep. Emily Chenevert – [email protected]

Rep. Vincent Cox – [email protected]

Rep. Bryan Fontenot – [email protected]

Rep. Dodie Horton – [email protected]

Rep. Alonzo Knox – [email protected]

Rep. Pat Moore – [email protected]

Rep. Jeff Wiley – [email protected]

Rep. Michael Echols – [email protected]

Email Bill Author

Rep. Michael Melerine – [email protected]

When sharing comments, it helps to include:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• The bill you are writing about (HB1107)
• Your position on the bill (do you or do you not support it)
• A short description of your experience or concerns about why you feel the way you do

Don’t forget to thank everyone for their time.

Contact your LaCAN Leader if you need help or would like more information.

You can watch the meeting live on the Louisiana Legislature’s website. When the meeting begins, a link will appear to watch it.a Legislature’s website. A link will appear when the meeting begins.ng live on the Louisiana Legislature’s website. When the meeting begins, a link will appear to watch it.

Stay Informed

All the issues LaCAN and the Council will be following this legislative session can be found on the LaDDC 2026 Bill Tracking List.

Confirm Your Action

• Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
• Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Tips & Tools for Advocacy

Looking for tips and tools to help you in your advocacy? Check out the Council’s Advocacy 101 page. You can also find tips for:

• Writing/emailing your legislators
• Calling your legislators
• Writing your story