House Bill No. 137, known as "The School Threat Accountability and Safety Act," aims to enhance penalties for crimes related to terrorizing and menacing when directed at schools. The bill amends existing laws to specify that the crime of terrorizing a school can result in a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment for five to fifteen years without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Similarly, the offense of menacing a school carries a penalty of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for two to five years. The bill also introduces new provisions that hold parents or guardians accountable for minors who commit these offenses, imposing civil fines and requiring participation in rehabilitation programs.

Additionally, the bill mandates that public schools disseminate information regarding the consequences of terrorizing or menacing a school to students and their parents at the beginning of each school year. It lowers the age for participation in the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program from sixteen to fourteen years and establishes requirements for charter schools to inform students and parents about the consequences of such actions. The legislation also outlines the court's authority to impose mental health evaluations and probation for juveniles adjudicated for these offenses, along with potential civil fines for their guardians. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding school safety and accountability for threats made against educational institutions.

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