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.
(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))