§2161. Drug free zone; notice; signs

A. A drug free zone is an area inclusive of any property used as a behavioral health services provider that has a substance abuse/addiction treatment module, or within two thousand feet of such property.

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 of this Section. The drug free zone map shall be made on 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 Louisiana Department of Health shall develop a method by which to mark drug free zones, including the use of signs or other markings suitable to the situation. Signs or other markings shall be located in a visible manner on or near each behavioral health services provider that has a substance abuse/addiction treatment module, indicating that the area is a drug free zone, that the zone extends for a distance of two thousand feet, and that a felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law will subject the offender to severe penalties under law. The posting required in this Subsection is the responsibility and at the expense of the licensed provider.

(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. The telephone numbers shall be displayed on the drug free zone signs that shall be manufactured in correctional institutions subject to 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 2013, No. 308, §1, eff. June 17, 2013; Acts 2014, No. 791, §14.