The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 14:72.2, which addresses offenses related to monetary instrument abuse in Louisiana. It expands the definition of the offense to include the making, issuing, possessing, selling, or transferring of counterfeit or forged monetary instruments with the intent to deceive or defraud another person. The penalties for such offenses include fines ranging from $5,000 to $1 million and imprisonment for a minimum of six months to a maximum of ten years. Additionally, the bill introduces harsher penalties for repeat offenders, stipulating that a second or subsequent conviction may result in imprisonment for one to ten years and a potential fine of up to $1 million.

The bill also clarifies definitions related to monetary instruments, including what constitutes "counterfeit" and "forged," and expands the definition of "organization" to include various legal entities. Furthermore, it mandates that individuals convicted under this section must make full restitution to victims of their offenses, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. The previous provision regarding indigent defendants and their ability to make restitution has been removed, indicating a shift towards stricter enforcement of restitution requirements.

Statutes affected:
HB214 Original:
HB214 Engrossed:
HB214 Enrolled:
HB214 Act :