Louisiana introduced HB 568 (2026) to enhance/clarify drug-free school zone penalties tied to UCDSL violations involving smoking/vaping/abuse

Louisiana HB 568 (2026 Regular Session), as introduced, proposes amendments to R.S. 40:981.3 (drug-free zone provisions for violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law). The proposal would add explicit coverage for conduct involving smoking, vaping, or otherwise abusing a controlled dangerous substance on/near school property (within 2,000 feet) or on a school bus, and includes an alternate penalty provision for certain marijuana-related conduct referencing R.S. 40:966(C)(2) (up to 1 year and/or up to a $1,000 fine per the bill text/digest summary in the research data). If enacted, organizations involved in compliance, enforcement, or institutional policy (e.g., schools, security, legal/compliance teams) should reassess how drug-free zone conduct is categorized and penalized under Louisiana law.