Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB978

Introduced
3/10/14  
Introduced
3/10/14  
Refer
3/10/14  
Refer
3/10/14  
Report Pass
4/7/14  
Report Pass
4/7/14  
Engrossed
4/14/14  
Engrossed
4/14/14  
Refer
4/15/14  
Refer
4/15/14  
Report Pass
5/13/14  
Report Pass
5/13/14  
Enrolled
5/22/14  
Enrolled
5/22/14  
Chaptered
6/5/14  
Chaptered
6/5/14  
Passed
6/5/14  

Caption

Requires that notice be given to certain persons when certain acts of obscenity occur near a school

Impact

By enforcing a timely notification system, HB978 aims to enhance the safety and awareness of schools regarding potentially harmful incidents in their vicinity. The bill places a significant responsibility on both law enforcement agencies and school administrators to ensure that parents are kept informed about threats to their children's safety. The inclusion of immunity for school officials from liability relating to the compliance with these notification requirements is a noteworthy aspect, signaling an intent to prevent legal repercussions arising from the handling of such notifications.

Summary

House Bill 978, introduced by Representative Greene, requires law enforcement to notify schools when an act of obscenity occurs near school property. Specifically, the bill mandates that this notice be sent to the principal or headmaster of any school located within 2,000 feet of the incident. The law enforcement agency must provide this notification within twenty-four hours of the report, detailing essential information about the incident, including the characteristics of the alleged offender. Following this, the school must relay the same notice to the parents of enrolled students, again within a 24-hour timeframe.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB978 appears to be supportive, especially among those prioritizing school safety and parent involvement in their children's welfare. Advocates argue that timely notification can empower parents and help them make informed decisions regarding their children's safety. However, some concerns may arise regarding the practicality of implementation, including the adequacy of resources for schools and law enforcement to comply with the bill's requirements without overwhelming them.

Contention

Despite the broad support for enhanced notification systems, potential points of contention may include concerns about the accuracy and appropriateness of information being disseminated to parents, along with the implications of how this could impact community perceptions of safety. Critics may highlight the need for a balanced approach that ensures necessary information is shared without creating panic. The nuances of how 'obscenity' is defined and the discretion exercised by law enforcement in determining what incidents warrant notification could also lead to discussions about the efficacy and consequences of this legislative measure.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB517

Requires the notification of certain school officials when certain children have been taken into custody. (8/1/12)

LA HB594

Excavation; provide exception to notice requirements for certain excavation that occurs because of electric power generation activities.

LA HB5191

Relating to permitting obscenity in schools

LA SB1766

Commercial driver training schools; modifying certain age requirement for certain vehicle operation; adding eligibility for driver education for certain persons; creating certain four-year licenses. Effective date.

LA HF361

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

LA SF305

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

LA HB522

Requires that an opportunity to take certain assessments be given to certain public school students (OR +$784,381 GF EX See Note)

LA H4123

Protection of Minors from Pornography and Obscenities Act

LA S1175

Requires psychiatric hospitals to provide certain notices and reports of major, moderate, and minor injuries occurring therein, and requires DOH to investigate causes of major and moderate injury.

LA HB796

Provides relative to the certification and employment in schools of certain persons convicted of felony offenses and the assessment of civil fines against public school boards who hire certain persons

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.