Bill > HB568

This bill amends Louisiana law concerning violations within drug-free school zones, which are areas around schools where drug offenses carry stricter penalties. Specifically, it adds a new provision that punishes individuals who violate drug laws while smoking, vaping, or otherwise abusing controlled substances on school property, within 2,000 feet of school property, or on a school bus. The bill also modifies existing penalties for drug-free school zone violations by stating that offenders will receive the maximum fine and imprisonment for up to one and a half times the longest authorized term, and their sentences will not be eligible for parole, probation, or suspension, mirroring the restrictions on the underlying drug offenses. However, a new exception is introduced: if the violation within a drug-free school zone also constitutes a specific offense related to the distribution of marijuana (R.S. 40:966(C)(2)), the penalty is reduced to a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, instead of the harsher penalties otherwise mandated.