SLS 16RS-19 ORIGINAL
2016 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 102
BY SENATOR GARY SMITH
WEAPONS. Provides relative to firearm-free zones. (8/1/16)
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 14:95.6(A) and (E), relative to firearm-free zones; to provide that
3 signs or other markings designating a firearm-free zone are to include language that
4 law enforcement weapons are permitted in the zone; and to provide for related
5 matters.
6 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
7 Section 1. R.S. 14:95.6(A) and (E) are hereby amended and reenacted to read as
8 follows:
9 ยง95.6. Firearm-free zone; notice; signs; crime; penalties
10 A. A "firearm-free zone" is an area inclusive of any school campus and
11 within one thousand feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus,
12 wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth
13 in Subsection B of this Section and R.S. 14:95.2(C).
14 * * *
15 E.(1) The state superintendent of education, with the approval of the State
16 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the commissioner of higher
17 education, with the approval of the Board of Regents, shall develop a method by
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 102
SLS 16RS-19 ORIGINAL
1 which to mark firearm-free zones, including the use of signs or other markings
2 suitable to the situation. Signs or other markings shall be located in a visible manner
3 on or near each school and on and in each school bus indicating that such area is a
4 firearm-free zone and that such zone extends to one thousand feet from the boundary
5 of school property. The state Department of Education shall assist each approved
6 school with the posting of notice as required in this Subsection.
7 (2) Signs or other markings, in addition to the method developed
8 pursuant to Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, shall provide notice that armed
9 law enforcement officers are permitted within the firearm-free zone by
10 including in the signs or other markings the language "Law Enforcement
11 Weapons Permitted" or language substantially similar thereto.
12 * * *
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Alden A. Clement, Jr.
DIGEST
SB 102 Original 2016 Regular Session Gary Smith
Present law defines a "firearm-free zone" as an area inclusive of any school campus and
within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that in a firearm-free zone the possession of
firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in present law exceptions for the
following:
(1)A federal, state, or local law enforcement building.
(2)A military base.
(3)A commercial establishment that is permitted by present law to have firearms or
armed security.
(4)Private premises where a firearm is kept pursuant to present law.
(5)Any constitutionally protected activity within the firearm-free zone, such as a
firearm contained entirely within a motor vehicle.
(6) A federal law enforcement officer or a Louisiana-commissioned state, or local
P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry a firearm.
(7) A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment or
a student acting under the direction of such school official or employee.
(8)Any person having the written permission of the principal or as otherwise provided
in present law.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 102
SLS 16RS-19 ORIGINAL
(9) The possession of a firearm occurring within 1,000 feet of school property and
entirely on private property, or entirely within a private residence, or in accordance
with a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to present law.
(10) Any student carrying a firearm to or from a class, in which he is duly enrolled, that
requires the use of the firearm in the class.
(11)A student enrolled or participating in an activity requiring the use of a firearm
including but not limited to any ROTC function under the authorization of a
university.
(12)A student who possesses a firearm in his dormitory room or while going to or from
his vehicle or any other person with permission of the administration.
Present law provides that the state superintendent of education, with the approval of BESE,
and the commissioner of higher education, with the approval of the Board of Regents, are
to develop a method by which to mark firearm-free zones, including the use of signs or other
markings suitable to the situation. Present law further provides that signs or other markings
are to be located in a visible manner on or near each school and on and in each school bus
indicating that such area is a firearm-free zone, and that such zone extends to 1,000 feet from
the boundary of school property. Present law further provides that the Dept. of Education is
to assist each approved school with the posting of notice as required by present law.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that these signs or other markings, in addition to
the method developed pursuant to present law, are to provide notice that armed law
enforcement officers are permitted within the firearm-free zone by including in the signs or
other markings the language "Law Enforcement Weapons Permitted" or language
substantially similar thereto.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Amends R.S. 14:95.6(A) and (E))
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.