House Bill No. 419, introduced by Representative Amedee, aims to establish the crime of intentional exposure to a self-spreading pathogen in Louisiana. The bill defines a "self-spreading pathogen" as an engineered virus or bacteria, including any recombinant, attenuated, or modified versions, as well as any virus-like or bacteria-like particles capable of spreading from person to person. Under the proposed law, it is illegal for any person to intentionally expose another individual to such pathogens without their knowing and lawful consent.

The bill outlines penalties for this crime, which may include a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to ten years with or without hard labor, or both. This legislation seeks to address public health concerns related to the intentional dissemination of engineered pathogens, thereby enhancing the state's criminal law framework regarding biosecurity and public safety.