Home invasion bill would mandate sentences
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The House on Monday overwhelmingly approved creation of the new crime of home invasion.
The House voted 100-0 for House Bill 96 under which those convicted of the crime are guaranteed a minimum five-year prison term.
The mandatory minimum 10-year prison term would applied if anyone in the house is under 12 years of age, over age 65 or is disabled.
State Rep. Bodi White, R-Central, the bill’s sponsor, noted the increasing frequency of home invasions in East Baton Rouge and other metropolitan areas.
Earlier this year, there was a rash of local home invasion robberies where the criminal preyed on elderly residents.
“Burglars used to prefer you not being there,” said White. “Now they want you to be home.” White said sometimes “they kick the door down and beat you, rob you” or kidnap people and take them to automated teller machines.
Rep. Rosalind Jones, D-Monroe, said home invasions are covered by existing laws dealing with burglary of an inhabited dwelling. If beatings occur, there are assault laws that would cover the actions, she said.
White said the law will focus attention on the crime. HB96’s mandatory prison time might act as a deterrent.
Jones also asked about the increased costs of housing of the inmates with the added prison terms. A fiscal note said no costs would be incurred. But White said the costs could be $35,000 more a year.
The House voted 100-0 for House Bill 96 under which those convicted of the crime are guaranteed a minimum five-year prison term.
The mandatory minimum 10-year prison term would applied if anyone in the house is under 12 years of age, over age 65 or is disabled.
State Rep. Bodi White, R-Central, the bill’s sponsor, noted the increasing frequency of home invasions in East Baton Rouge and other metropolitan areas.
Earlier this year, there was a rash of local home invasion robberies where the criminal preyed on elderly residents.
“Burglars used to prefer you not being there,” said White. “Now they want you to be home.” White said sometimes “they kick the door down and beat you, rob you” or kidnap people and take them to automated teller machines.
Rep. Rosalind Jones, D-Monroe, said home invasions are covered by existing laws dealing with burglary of an inhabited dwelling. If beatings occur, there are assault laws that would cover the actions, she said.
White said the law will focus attention on the crime. HB96’s mandatory prison time might act as a deterrent.
Jones also asked about the increased costs of housing of the inmates with the added prison terms. A fiscal note said no costs would be incurred. But White said the costs could be $35,000 more a year.
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