The bill, known as "The Audrey Wascome Act," amends various sections of Louisiana law to replace all references to "pornography involving juveniles" with "child sexual abuse materials." This change aims to clarify legal terminology related to the exploitation of minors and redefines crimes associated with the production, distribution, and possession of these materials. Key provisions include significant penalties for unauthorized access to child sexual abuse materials, particularly for offenses involving victims under the age of thirteen. The bill also establishes that any acts committed after August 1, 2025, will be classified under the new terminology, enhancing the legal framework for addressing crimes against children.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and responsibilities for law enforcement and prosecuting agencies, including the requirement for interactive computer services to report violations to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It emphasizes the duty of commercial film processors to report suspected child sexual abuse materials and allows for exemplary damages in civil cases involving such materials. The legislation clarifies that it does not relieve individuals convicted of pornography involving juveniles prior to its enactment from existing legal obligations, ultimately aiming to strengthen protections for children and enhance accountability for offenders.

Statutes affected:
HB268 Original: 14:8(A), 14:1(A), 14:1(A)(2), 14:2(B), 14:5(A)(1), 15:537(A), 15:1(F), 15:541(24), 15:1(18), 15:1(C), 15:1352(A)(45), 17:7(A)(1), 46:2(C)(1)
HB268 Engrossed: 14:8(A), 14:1(A), 14:1(A)(2), 14:2(B), 14:5(A)(1), 15:537(A), 15:1(F), 15:541(24), 15:1(18), 15:1(C), 15:1352(A)(45), 17:7(A)(1), 46:2(C)(1)
HB268 Enrolled: 14:8(A), 14:1(A), 14:1(A)(2), 14:2(B), 14:5(A)(1), 15:537(A), 15:1(F), 15:541(24), 15:1(18), 15:1(C), 15:1352(A)(45), 17:7(A)(1), 46:2(C)(1)
HB268 Act 261: 14:8(A), 14:1(A), 14:1(A)(2), 14:2(B), 14:5(A)(1), 15:537(A), 15:1(F), 15:541(24), 15:1(18), 15:1(C), 15:1352(A)(45), 17:7(A)(1), 46:2(C)(1)