Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases the penalties for threats of violence made against a school, and establishes fines for parents of children who make school threats in Louisiana.

Highlights:

• Establishes a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment with hard labor for 5-15 years, or both, for committing the offense of terrorizing a school property, a school-sponsored function, or a firearm-free zone (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for 2-5 years, or both, for committing the offense of menacing a school property, a school-sponsored function, or a firearm-free zone (Sec. 1).

• Expands the classification of improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal guardian to include negligently allowing a minor to terrorize or menace a school, or communicate false information of a planned bombing on school property (Sec. 1).

• Requires the principal of each public school to disseminate information at the beginning of each school year regarding the crime and consequences of terrorizing or menacing a school property, school-sponsored function, or firearm-free zone (Sec. 3).

• Requires a court to order a child 14 years or older who commits an offense under this Act to the following (Sec. 4):

• Mental examination;

• Up to 12 months probation or up to six months in juvenile detention, increased by 50% for a second violation; and

• Participation in the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program.

• Establishes a civil fine of up to $5,000, or $10,000 for a second violation, for the parent or legal guardian of a child who commits a felony-grade delinquent act under this Act (Sec. 4).

• Requires a court to order a parent or legal guardian to reimburse an entity for costs incurred by their child’s violation of this Act if a hearing determines that full reimbursement would not cause substantial financial hardship (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text