§ 14-17. Carrying a firearm by a student or nonstudent on school property or firearm-free zone.

(a)

Carrying a firearm by a student or nonstudent on school property or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and is the intentional possession of any firearm, on one's person, on a school campus, or within one thousand (1,000) feet of any school campus, or on a school bus.

(b)

For purposes of this section, the following words have the following meanings:

(1)

"School" means any elementary, secondary, high school, or vocational-technical school in this town.

(2)

"Campus" means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school property.

(3)

"School bus" means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.

(4)

"Nonstudent" means any person not registered and enrolled in that school or a suspended student who does not have permission to be on the school campus.

(c)

The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

(1)

A federal, state, or local law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties.

(2)

A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment or a student acting under the direction of such school official or employee.

(3)

The possession of a firearm occurring within one thousand (1,000) feet of school property and entirely on private property, entirely within a private residence, or in accordance with a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.1.

(4)

Any constitutionally protected activities which cannot be regulated by the town, such as a firearm contained entirely within a motor vehicle.

(d)

Whosoever commits the crime of carrying a firearm by a student or nonstudent on school property or in a firearm-free zone shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than five (5) years.

(e)

Lack of knowledge that the prohibited act occurred on or within one thousand (1,000) feet of school property shall not be a defense.

(f)

(1) Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this ordinance, school officials shall notify all students and parents of the impact of this legislation, and within that same thirty-day period shall post notices of the impact of this section at each major point of entry to the school. These notices shall be maintained as permanent notices.

(2)

If a student is arrested for carrying a concealed weapon on campus, the principal shall immediately notify the student's parents and the local police and/or sheriff and give the weapon to that law enforcement agency.

(Ord. No. 395, 11-9-93)