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 and enhance the legal framework surrounding offenses related to child sexual exploitation. Key provisions include the redefinition of crimes associated with the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse materials, along with corresponding penalties for offenders. Notably, individuals found guilty of unauthorized use of a wireless router system to access such materials face significant prison time and fines, with harsher penalties for offenses involving victims under the age of thirteen.

Additionally, the bill establishes that acts committed on or after August 1, 2025, will be classified under the new terminology. It outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in handling cases involving these materials, including the requirement to provide copies of seized materials to the Internet crimes against children division. The legislation also mandates that interactive computer services report any knowledge of violations related to child sexual abuse materials to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen protections for children and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions, reflecting a more precise understanding of the offenses involved.

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)