House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance penalties for the crimes of terrorizing and menacing when directed towards schools. The bill amends existing laws to establish that individuals who commit the offense of terrorizing a school or firearm-free zone will face fines of up to $15,000 and imprisonment for a minimum of five years, without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Similarly, those found guilty of menacing a school will incur fines of up to $1,000 and face imprisonment ranging from two to five years. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the responsibilities of parents or legal guardians, holding them accountable for allowing minors to engage in such criminal activities.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Louisiana Department of Education develop and disseminate information to public schools regarding the consequences of terrorizing or menacing a school. This information must be provided to students in grades six and above, as well as their parents or guardians. The legislation also lowers the age requirement for participation in the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program from 16 to 14 years old and imposes civil fines on parents or guardians of minors adjudicated for these offenses. After a second adjudication, the penalties for both the minor and their guardians increase, and the court may require reimbursement for costs incurred by government agencies due to the violations.

Statutes affected:
HB137 Original: 14:1(A)(1), 15:951(E)