DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 531 Original 2017 Regular Session Hoffmann
Abstract: Prohibits the use of tobacco products on school property.
Present law prohibits certain activities related to smoking at schools. Proposed law defines "school
property" as school grounds, playgrounds, premises, and property, including but not limited to land,
improvement, and facilities, and school vehicles used for the provision of academic and
extracurricular programs and administration at any elementary or secondary school, the La. School
for the Deaf, the La. School for the Visually Impaired, the La. Special Education Center, and schools
in the Special School District.
Proposed law defines "tobacco product" as any product made or derived from tobacco that is
intended for human consumption.
Present law prohibits any person from smoking, chewing, or otherwise consuming any tobacco or
tobacco product in any elementary or secondary school building. Proposed law adds inhaling,
ingesting, and absorbing to the prohibition against the use of tobacco and tobacco products and
broadens the prohibited locations to any school property. Excepts from this prohibition any tobacco
product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product
that is marketed and sold solely for such an approved purpose.
Present law authorizes the designation of smoking areas on school property. Proposed law deletes
this authorization.
Present law prohibits smoking on any school bus transporting children attending any public school.
Proposed law instead applies this prohibition to any school bus transporting students attending any
school.
Proposed law provides that the provisions of proposed law shall not apply to any school property that
is rented, leased, or otherwise made available for non-educational purposes.
Effective upon the signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:240(A) and (B))