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 577 Original 2019 Regular Session Norton
Abstract: Adds law enforcement officers as a possible victim of the crime of threatening a public
official and provides that the crime includes threats made through social media.
Present law defines the crime of threatening a public official as any verbal or written communication
which threatens serious bodily injury or death to a public official.
Present law provides that whoever commits the crime of threatening a public official shall be fined
not more than $500, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
Present law further provides that these penalties shall apply when the person commits the crime of
threatening a public official with the intent to influence his conduct in relation to his position,
employment, or official duty, or in retaliation as reprisal for his previous action in relation to his
position, employment, or official duty.
Present law defines "public official" is defined as any executive, ministerial, administrative, judicial,
or legislative officer of the state of La.
Proposed law retains present law and amends the crime to apply to threats made to law enforcement
and further provides that the crime of threatening a public official includes threats made through
social media.
(Amends R.S. 14:122.2)