Tougher Louisiana Laws That Went Into Effect August 2024

Louisiana has enacted several tougher regulations to improve public safety as the state's crime rates continue to climb. In August 2024, in case you missed it, a number of new regulations went into force. Below is a summary of these significant legislative modifications aimed at resolving the mounting issues in our neighborhoods.

HB58

• Known as "The Louisiana Squatter Prevention Act"
• The illegal entry of any house or building with the purpose of depriving the owner, lessee, or tenant of full use of the property is provided as an alternative element of simple burglary.

HB64

• Prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as "laughing gas" or "whippets," and any kind of amyl nitrite, commonly referred to as "poppers," at retail.
• Makes clear that these compounds might be sold for use in cars or in manufacturing processes. Additionally, the statute raises the maximum sentence to one year in prison and a fine of no more than $2,500. The office of alcohol and tobacco control is now tasked with promoting and enforcing these new legal requirements, as well as conducting any necessary investigations to govern these laws.

HB130

• Raises the minimum sentence for an offender found guilty of molestation of a minor to ten years in jail without the possibility of release. Additionally, it redefines an offender as someone who oversees a juvenile in a religious, charitable, educational, or athletic capacity.

HB165

• Eliminates jail time as a penalty for possessing marijuana paraphernalia in amounts that don't go beyond what's needed for personal use.
• For first offenses, possession of marijuana paraphernalia for personal use carries a $100 fine; second offenses carry a $500 fine; and third offenses carry a $2,500 fine.

HB173

• Once a peace officer has given the order to halt approaching, no one is allowed to get within 25 feet of the officer. This statute carries a maximum $500 fine and/or a maximum 60-day jail sentence for violations.
• The State of Louisiana was sued by six news organizations in an attempt to overturn this legislation, which makes it illegal to approach a working police officer within 25 feet of them after they have been told to back off.

HB206

• The state may apply for active supervised release on behalf of an individual who was found not guilty by reason of insanity but who is nonetheless regarded as a danger to others or to themselves despite no longer meeting the legal criteria for mental illness. Only violent and sexual offenses, including those carrying a life sentence or the death penalty, are covered by the law.

HB213

• Raise the maximum sentence for negligent homicide offenders to ten years in jail.

HB578

• Initiates the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program with the goal of providing a conduit for Louisiana kids to lessen their involvement in criminal activities.

HB720

• If convicted of fentanyl distribution, a person faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 40 years in jail without the chance of release.

HB816

• If a person is found guilty of contractor fraud under the current legislation and the victim is 65 years of age or older, they might spend up to five years in jail.

HB823

• Carrying a weapon in a jail or prison, state capitol, courthouse, or courtroom, law enforcement office, station, or building is prohibited.

HB830

• The over-the-counter antidepressant tianeptine is now categorized as a Schedule I substance.

SB6

• Introduces a new rule that forbids the sale or distribution of any video or photograph produced by AI that shows a person in a partially or fully nude state.

SB7

• Now, within ten minutes of a juvenile escape, any facilities that house juvenile offenders on behalf of the state are required to alert local media outlets.

SB34

• Explains that, depending on the situation, removing anything valuable from a retail establishment or hiring someone to do so is considered second-degree robbery. Additionally, if the defendant has been convicted of theft within the last ten years, the minimum sentence jumps to five years.

In conclusion, by enacting these tougher legislation, which will go into effect in August 2024, Louisiana is demonstrating its commitment to combating crime. The message is very clear: there are repercussions for breaking the law. The idea that in Louisiana, you will do time for your crimes is reinforced by the state's commitment to making sure that those who commit them are held accountable.