Senate Bill No. 33, introduced by Senators Hensgens, Abraham, and Kleinpeter, amends the existing theft laws in Louisiana to address theft specifically from porches or unenclosed areas of residences. The bill modifies R.S. 14:67(C) to clarify that when theft involves multiple distinct acts against either a single victim or multiple victims, the total value of the misappropriated items will determine the severity of the offense. Additionally, it enacts R.S. 14:67(E), which allows for the inference of intent to permanently deprive the owner of property when items taken from these areas are delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or other commercial delivery services.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new penalty for offenders who steal such items, mandating an additional imprisonment term of 60 days to 2 years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. This legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding theft from residential areas, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of package theft. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB33 Original: 14:67(C)
SB33 Engrossed: 14:67(C)