Louisiana House Bill HR148

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/15
• Passed: 6/10/15

Caption

Directs the La. State Law Institute to study the issue of adding assault on a school teacher and battery of a school teacher to the list of crimes of violence

Impact

If the study supports the addition of these offenses to the list of crimes of violence, the impact would entail significant modifications to existing state laws regarding the protection of educators. This could lead to stronger legal repercussions for individuals who commit these acts against teachers, ultimately signaling a stronger stance on school safety. Additionally, it may give victims greater rights to information and possibly affect policies related to student behavior and disciplinary actions in schools.

Summary

House Resolution 148, introduced by Representative Mike Johnson, seeks to authorize the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a comprehensive study on the inclusion of 'assault on a school teacher' and 'battery of a school teacher' as recognized crimes of violence under current Louisiana law. This resolution aims to examine the implications of such changes for enhancing the safety and security of teachers and other school personnel, thereby addressing concerns about violence within educational settings. The bill expresses a commitment to ensuring that educators have a secure work environment free from the threat of violence from students.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR 148 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those who prioritize the safety of teachers and students alike. The resolution received strong backing in the House, evidenced by a vote tally of 93 in favor and only 5 against, indicating that there is significant legislative interest in reforming existing laws to better protect educators. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation of recommendations that arise from the study, especially about balancing the rights of students with the need for a safe teaching environment.

Contention

While there is enthusiasm for the proposed study, potential points of contention could arise as discussions unfold around the appropriateness of reclassifying certain student behaviors and the implications for juvenile justice. By declaring these offenses as crimes of violence, the response of the justice system toward young offenders could be significantly impacted, leading to debates about the extent of penalties and the overall approach to managing student discipline in schools. This study will need to consider these complexities and engage various stakeholders, including educators, law enforcement, and legal experts.