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 450 Engrossed 2020 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Amends the crime of simple burglary to provide specific penalties that apply when the
crime is committed with a firearm under certain circumstances.
Present law defines the crime of simple burglary as the unauthorized entering of any dwelling,
vehicle, watercraft, or other structure, movable or immovable, or any cemetery, with the intent to
commit a felony or any theft therein.
Present law provides that whoever commits the crime of simple burglary shall be fined not more than
$2,000, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than 12 years, or both.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that if the offender, while committing the present law
crime of simple burglary, is armed with a firearm or, after entering, arms himself with or possesses
a firearm, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than three nor
more than 12 years. Further provides that at least one year of the sentence imposed shall be without
benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
(Amends R.S. 14:62(B))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill:
1. Remove proposed law provisions creating the crime of first degree burglary and
providing criminal penalties for violations of the proposed law crime.
2. Amend present law crime of simple burglary to provide specific penalties that apply
when the crime is committed with a firearm under certain circumstances.