RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 337 (SB 102) 2016 Regular Session Gary Smith
Prior law defined 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.
New law retains prior law and adds that in a firearm-free zone the possession of firearms is
prohibited, except as specifically set forth in prior law exceptions for the following:
(1)A federal, state, or local law enforcement building.
(2)A military base.
(3)A commercial establishment permitted by prior law to have firearms or armed
security.
(4)Private premises where a firearm is kept pursuant to prior 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 prior 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 prior 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.
Prior law provided 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. Prior law further provided 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. Prior law further provided that the Dept. of Education is to
assist each approved school with the posting of notice as required by prior law.
New law retains prior law and adds that these signs or other markings, in addition to the
method developed pursuant to prior 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))