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Bill

HB 137

CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Changes sentencing guidelines for posting or calling in threats to schools (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Carlson and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana bill adjusts criminal sentencing penalties for individuals who post or call in threats targeting schools, modifying how courts punish such offenses.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 137

Legislative bill overview

HB 137 modifies Louisiana's sentencing guidelines for individuals who post or call in threats targeting schools. The bill adjusts criminal penalties associated with these threat offenses, potentially increasing or restructuring how courts handle such cases. The specific changes to sentencing ranges and guidelines are referenced in the fiscal note.

Why is this important

School threats have become a significant public safety concern, affecting school operations, student mental health, and resource allocation. How legislation penalizes these threats influences both deterrence effects and the criminal justice system's response to what may range from serious violent intentions to impulsive statements made by juveniles or adults in crisis.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity: Determining whether increased penalties are proportionate or risk over-criminalization of speech that may not constitute genuine threats
  • Juvenile vs. adult distinction: Whether the law adequately differentiates between threats made by minors (who may face adult charges) and adults, and whether rehabilitation vs. punishment is prioritized
  • Definition of "threat": How broadly "posting or calling in threats" is defined and whether it captures protected speech or only credible threats with specific intent to harm

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

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