Criminal Justice (Firearms)

This bill creates a new crime in Louisiana for the unauthorized possession of copper or brass materials commonly used by utilities, telecommunications companies, and other infrastructure providers. It defines specific types of copper and brass items that are protected and lists authorized possessors, including owners, public utilities, scrap recyclers, and businesses selling these materials. The law establishes penalties of up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine for basic violations, with harsher penalties of five to 99 years in prison for cases involving critical infrastructure, prior convictions related to theft or mischief, or possession of a firearm during the offense.

HB 586 creates a new crime in Louisiana for adults who fail to secure a loaded firearm where a minor under 15 could access it, leading to the minor discharging the firearm (causing injury/death) or threatening behavior in public places/schools. It imposes penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Key exceptions include minors accessing firearms for hunting, lawful self-defense, or if the firearm was unlawfully taken. The law defines "secure" as using a lock or trigger device and specifies "readily dischargeable" means a loaded firearm.

HB 137 increases penalties for threatening schools by adding a new offense: terrorizing or menacing school property, events, or firearm-free zones. It mandates 5-15 years in prison (no parole) for adults and fines up to $15,000 for such threats. Schools must distribute age-appropriate information about these crimes to students in grades 6+ and their parents annually. Parents or guardians of minors committing these acts face civil fines ($5,000-$10,000), and juvenile courts must consider restitution for response costs.

SB 344 would make it illegal to store a firearm unsecured (not in a locked container or with a tamper-resistant trigger lock) on property under a person's control if they know or should know a minor (under 18) or a prohibited person (e.g., banned due to a crime, mental health issue, or protective order) might access it. It directly affects firearm owners on their own property, such as parents or guardians. The bill includes exceptions for firearms carried on the person, unlawful entry, or supervised hunting with permission. Violations carry fines up to $500 or 6 months in jail; if injury occurs, penalties increase to up to $1,000 or 1 year in jail. The law explicitly states it does not affect constitutional rights to keep firearms under Louisiana or U.S. Constitution.