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 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Fontenot
Abstract: Creates the crime of approaching a peace 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 peace officer who is lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties after the peace officer
has ordered a person to stop approaching or to retreat.
Proposed law defines the term "peace officer".
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)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Change references from "law enforcement officer" to "peace officer".
3. Replace definition of "law enforcement officer" with cross-reference to definition of
"peace officer".