Louisiana House Bill HB99

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 3/21/12
• Engrossed: 4/2/12
• Refer: 4/3/12
• Report Pass: 5/1/12
• Enrolled: 5/9/12
• Chaptered: 5/14/12
• Passed: 5/14/12

Caption

Amends the La. Racketeering Act to apply to additional criminal offenses (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 99 will integrate new crimes into the state's existing racketeering framework. By doing so, it aims to empower law enforcement agencies to tackle a wider range of illegal activities that they may classify under racketeering. This is expected to facilitate more robust prosecution of individuals and groups engaged in organized criminal enterprises, strengthening state laws against racketeering in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 99 proposes amendments to the Louisiana Racketeering Act by expanding the definition of 'racketeering activity' to include additional enumerated crimes. This bill specifically enumerates certain statutes from Title 14 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, thereby revising the scope of racketeering offenses to reflect current criminal concerns. The intention of the bill is to enhance law enforcement's ability to address organized crime activities effectively by broadening the legal framework under which such activities can be prosecuted.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 99 appears to be supportive among lawmakers advocating for tougher measures against organized crime. The unanimous passage of the bill through the voting process in the Senate indicates a consensus on the need for more comprehensive legislation in this area. Stakeholders and law enforcement agencies tend to view the bill as a necessary step toward addressing the evolving landscape of criminal activity.

Contention

While the bill received unanimous support, some advocacy groups may raise concerns regarding the potential for overreach in how racketeering laws are applied. The expansion of the definition could lead to broader implications for individuals being prosecuted under racketeering charges, possibly affecting civil liberties. Therefore, although the intent of HB 99 is to combat organized crime, the implications of such legislative enhancements merit ongoing scrutiny and discussion.