House Bill No. by Representative Bayham amends existing laws regarding the desecration of graves and institutional vandalism in Louisiana. The bill increases the maximum fine for desecration of graves from $500 to $1,000 and introduces a requirement for offenders to make restitution for damages sustained, as outlined in Code of Criminal Procedure Article 883.2. Similarly, for institutional vandalism, the bill raises the fine for damages less than $500 to $1,000 and establishes a new penalty structure for damages between $500 and $50,000, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and potential imprisonment for up to two years.

Additionally, the bill enacts a new provision that mandates restitution for damages when the vandalized institution is a religious building or structure. This change aims to enhance accountability for offenders and ensure that victims of such crimes receive compensation for their losses. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen penalties and restitution requirements for crimes related to grave desecration and institutional vandalism.

Statutes affected:
HB330 Original: 14:101(B), 14:225(B)(1)
HB330 Engrossed: 14:101(B), 14:225(B)(1)
HB330 Reengrossed: 14:101(B), 14:225(B)(1)
HB330 Enrolled: 14:101(B), 14:225(B)(1)