House Bill No. by Representative Phelps aims to enhance public safety by requiring the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C), specifically the office of state police, to conduct public awareness activities regarding the illegal discharge of firearms. The bill mandates the creation and dissemination of public service announcements through various media, including radio, television, and social media, to inform the public about the dangers and criminal penalties associated with discharging firearms in prohibited areas. Additionally, the bill allows for collaboration between the DPS&C, the Louisiana Department of Health, and municipal police departments to effectively implement these public safety measures.
The proposed law also stipulates that public awareness materials must be distributed to municipal police departments for further outreach to the community. It specifies that the dissemination of these materials should occur annually during designated time periods, specifically from May 15 to July 5 and from November 15 to January 1. The funding for these public awareness activities will come from existing allocations designated for such purposes, ensuring that the initiative is adequately supported without requiring new financial resources.