HLS 14RS-1327 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 495
BY REPRESENTATIVE ADAMS
FIRE PROTECT/FIRE MARSHAL: Provides relative to the authority to investigate and
make arrests for certain crimes
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 40:1563.1(A), relative to the authority of certain officials to2
conduct investigations and make arrests; to add simple arson of a religious building3
to the list of offenses for which a fire marshal and other officials may conduct4
investigations and make arrests; and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 40:1563.1(A) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:7
ยง1563.1. Authority to make arrests and carry firearms; arson task force8
A. The fire marshal, the first assistant fire marshal, each deputy fire marshal,9
certified local authorities, and state or municipal arson investigators, while engaged10
in the performance of their duties as such, shall have the authority to investigate and11
cause the arrest of individuals suspected of having violated the following criminal12
laws:13
* * *14
(3) R.S. 14:52.1, simple arson of a religious building.15
(4) R.S. 14:53, arson with intent to defraud.16
(4)(5) R.S. 14:54, placing combustible material.17
(5)(6) R.S. 14:54.1, communicating false information of planned arson.18
(6)(7) R.S. 14:54.2, manufacture and possession of delayed action incendiary19
devices.20 HLS 14RS-1327 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 495
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
(7)(8) R.S. 14:54.3, manufacture and possession of a bomb.1
(8)(9) R.S. 14:54.5, fake explosive devices.2
(9)(10) R.S. 14:59 (A)(2), criminal mischief relating to the giving of any3
false alarm of fire.4
(10)(11) R.S. 14:204, fire-raising on lands of another by criminal negligence.5
(11)(12) R.S. 14:205, fire-raising on lands of another with malice.6
(12)(13) R.S. 14:206, fire prevention interference.7
(13)(14) R.S. 14:327, obstructing a fireman.8
(14)(15) R.S. 22:1924, insurance fraud.9
(15)(16) R.S. 22:1925, insurance fraud.10
(16)(17) R.S. 14.51.1, injury by arson.11
(17)(18) R.S. 15:562.5, failure to register.12
(18)(19) R.S. 40:1621, violation of fire marshal's orders. This Paragraph13
shall be limited to fire marshal orders related to activities or instances determined by14
the fire marshal to pose an immediate danger to life.15
(19)(20) Any other criminal laws making unlawful an attempt or conspiracy16
to commit the foregoing offenses.17
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Adams HB No. 495
Abstract: Authorizes certain officials to investigate and make arrests for the crime of
simple arson of a religious building.
Present law provides for specific offenses for which a fire marshal, the first assistant fire
marshal, each deputy fire marshal, certified local authorities, and state or municipal arson
investigators, while engaged in the performance of their duties, are authorized to investigate
and make arrests.
Present law provides for the crime of simple arson.
Proposed law retains present law and adds the crime of simple arson of a religious building
to the list of offenses.
(Amends R.S. 40:1563.1(A))