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 173 Original 2024 Regular Session Fontenot
Abstract: Creates the crime of approaching a law enforcement officer who is lawfully engaged in
his law enforcement duties and provides for penalties.
Proposed law provides that no person shall knowingly or intentionally approach within 25 feet of
a law enforcement officer who is lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties after the law
enforcement officer has ordered a person to stop approaching or to retreat.
Proposed law defines "law enforcement officer" as any commissioned police officer, sheriff, deputy
sheriff, marshal, deputy marshal, correctional officer, probation and parole officer, constable,
wildlife enforcement agent, livestock brand inspector, forestry officer, or state park warden.
Proposed law provides that it shall be an affirmative defense to this crime if the defendant can
establish that the lawful order or command was neither received nor understood by the defendant nor
capable of being received or understood under the conditions and circumstances that existed at the
time of the issuance of the order.
Proposed law provides for a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for not more than 60 days,
or both.
(Adds R.S. 14:109)