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HB 568

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES: Provides relative to penalty enhancements for violations of drug free school zones (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabe Firment

HB 568 limits marijuana-related UCDS violations near schools to up to 1 year in prison and a $1,000 fine, while other CDS near schools face harsher penalties.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 568

Summary of HB 568 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Purpose and Intent

  • HB 568 amends Louisiana law to enhance penalties for violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law (UCDS) specifically involving marijuana when the offense occurs within a drug-free school zone (defined as within 2,000 feet of school property, on school property, or on a school bus).

Key Provisions

  • Amends and reenacts R.S. 40:981.3(D) and adds new subsections R.S. 40:981.3(A)(4) and (E).

  • Scope of enhanced penalties:

    • If a person violates certain provisions of the UCDS (R.S. 40:966–970) while:
    • smoking, vaping, or abusing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) on property used for school purposes, or within 2,000 feet of such property, or on a school bus,
    • then, upon conviction, the penalties apply under the new framework established in Subsection E (detailed below).

  • General penalty framework (with exceptions):

    • Under Subsection D, except as modified by Subsection E, a violator faces the maximum fine and imprisonment not exceeding 1.5 times the longest term of imprisonment authorized by R.S. 40:966–970. Additionally, sentences for these offenses are not subject to parole, probation, or suspension to the extent that the minimum sentence for the felony provisions is not subject to parole, probation, or suspension.

  • Specific enhanced penalties for marijuana offenses near schools:

    • Subsection E (new provision) creates an exception to the general framework for violations involving marijuana:
    • If the violation is of the UCDS provisions specifically with respect to marijuana, the offender shall be imprisoned for not more than 1 year, with or without hard labor.
    • The offender may also be fined up to $1,000.
    • This is an explicit, more limited penalty tied to marijuana offenses near schools, contrasting with the broader, harsher penalties that apply to other substances or more general UCDS violations within the school zone.

  • Additional note:

    • The bill includes the “DIGEST” language indicating the intent to strengthen penalties for marijuana-related UCDS violations in school zones, while maintaining a more limited maximum for marijuana within the school zone (1 year, up to $1,000).

Affected Parties

  • Individuals charged with UCDS violations involving marijuana within 2,000 feet of school zones (including school property and buses).
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors who handle drug offenses near schools.
  • School communities and property within 2,000 feet of school zones, due to stricter penalties for marijuana-based offenses in these areas.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Bill Status:
    • Prefiled and introduced in the 2026 Regular Session.
    • Referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice; reported favorably (11-0); passed to 3rd reading; read by title and engrossed.
  • Effective dates are not specified in the provided text; if enacted, the penalties would apply to offenses committed under the UCDS within the defined school zones after the bill’s effective date.

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • The bill creates a bifurcated penalty structure:
    • General UCDS violations near schools retain harsher penalties (maximum fines and longer prison terms) except where the specific marijuana-related provision applies.
    • Marijuana-specific offenses near schools are capped at up to 1 year of imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000, representing a narrowing of the penalty compared to the broader UCDS framework.
  • This reflects a policy distinction within Louisiana law: marijuana offenses near schools receive a comparatively lighter maximum penalty, while other CDS violations near schools remain subject to more severe penalties.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute to illustrate exactly where the changes occur.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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