2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 40:1058.10 — Drug free zone; notice; signs

§1058.10.  Drug free zone; notice; signs

A.  A drug free zone is an area inclusive of any property used as a drug treatment facility or within one thousand feet of such property.  For the purposes of this Section, "drug treatment facility" means all property used for the diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative services to patients and their families with problems related to alcohol, drug, or substance abuse.

B.  The local governing authority which has jurisdiction over zoning matters in which each drug free zone is located shall publish a map clearly indicating the boundaries of each drug free zone in accordance with the specifications in Subsection A.  The drug free zone map shall be made an official public document and placed with the clerk of court for the parish or parishes in which the drug free zone is located.

C.(1)  The secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals shall develop a method by which to mark drug free zones, including the use of signs or other marking suitable to the situation.  Signs or other markings shall be located in a visible manner on or near each drug treatment facility indicating that such area is a drug free zone, that such zone extends for a distance of one thousand feet, and that a felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law will subject the offender to severe penalties under law.  The Department of Health and Hospitals shall assist each drug treatment facility with providing for the posting required in this Subsection.

(2)  The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall coordinate and provide rules for the establishment of toll free telephone numbers for use in submitting anonymous information regarding drug activity to local law enforcement agencies.  Such telephone numbers shall be displayed on the drug free zone signs which shall be manufactured in correctional institutions subject to the regulations of the office of corrections in the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

D.(1)  It shall be unlawful for any person to cover, remove, deface, alter, or destroy any sign or other marking identifying a drug free zone as provided in this Section.

(2)  Any violation of this Subsection shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by a jail sentence of not more than six months, or both.

Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 46, §1.