The proposed legislation, known as "The School Threat Accountability and Safety Act," aims to amend existing laws regarding the crimes of terrorizing and menacing, particularly in relation to schools. Key provisions include the establishment of new penalties for individuals who commit these offenses on school property or during school-sponsored events. Specifically, the bill introduces a new definition of terrorizing that includes the intentional communication of threats of violence, with penalties of up to fifteen years of hard labor for offenders. Additionally, it sets fines and imprisonment terms for menacing offenses directed at schools, with fines up to one thousand dollars and imprisonment ranging from two to five years.

The bill also mandates that public schools disseminate information about the consequences of terrorizing and menacing to students and their parents at the beginning of each school year. Furthermore, it outlines the responsibilities of parents or legal guardians regarding the supervision of minors, particularly in relation to allowing them to engage in such criminal activities. The legislation includes provisions for the adjudication of juvenile offenders, requiring mental health evaluations and potential participation in rehabilitation programs, as well as civil fines for guardians of minors who commit these offenses. Overall, the act seeks to enhance 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)
HB137 Enrolled: 14:1(A)(1), 15:951(E)
HB137 Act 619: 14:1(A)(1), 15:951(E)