This bill amends the penalties associated with the crime of molestation of a juvenile in Louisiana, specifically targeting offenses involving victims aged thirteen to seventeen. The amendments to R.S. 14:81.2(B)(2) and (3)(a) increase the minimum prison sentence from five years to ten years for offenders who have control or supervision over the juvenile. Additionally, the bill specifies that offenders in a supervisory role, which includes educators and those involved in religious, charitable, scientific, educational, athletic, or youth-serving activities, face a more severe penalty of imprisonment for not less than ten years and up to forty years, with at least ten years of the sentence served without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension.

The bill also removes the previous provision that allowed for a five-year minimum sentence and clarifies the definitions of supervisory roles to encompass a broader range of responsibilities. Furthermore, it ensures that individuals convicted under these circumstances cannot have their convictions set aside or prosecutions dismissed, reinforcing the seriousness of the offense and the protection of juveniles in these vulnerable situations.

Statutes affected:
HB130 Original: 14:2(B)(2)
HB130 Engrossed: 14:2(B)(2)
HB130 Enrolled: 14:2(B)(2)
HB130 Act 597: 14:2(B)(2)