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 7 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Dwight
Abstract: Prohibits interference with communications of the state, military or civil defense, or any
legal entity created for the purpose of providing utility services to the public.
Proposed law creates the crime of communication interference and defines it as the willful or
malicious interference with any communication operated or controlled by the state; used or intended
to be used by the military or civil defense functions; or controlled by any legal entity created for the
purpose of or engaged in generating, transmitting, providing, and distributing utilities or utility
services to the public.
Proposed law provides penalties of a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment of not more than
ten years, or both, for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, provides penalties of a fine
of not more than $10,000, imprisonment of not more than fifteen years, or both.
Proposed law provides exceptions to the proposed law crime for the following:
(1)Certain activities performed for purposes of collective bargaining or mutual aid protection,
for military or civil defense functions, or for certain private entities provided in proposed
law.
(2) An entity the security issues of which are subject to approval, control, regulation, or
supervision by the federal government or any agency thereof under any other federal statute;
an entity whose business is subject to regulation by the Federal Communications
Commission; or any entity conducting or carrying on its business or operations in two or
more states.
(3)Member-owned electronic cooperatives, municipally owned electric service providers,
privately owned utilities, or investor-owned utilities regulated by the La. Public Service
Commission or the city council of New Orleans.
(Adds R.S. 14:73.11)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill: 1. Add an exception to the crime for certain entities regulated by the federal government or
federal agencies and for certain entities regulated by the La. Public Service Commission
or the city council of New Orleans.