During the 2006 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Louisiana ensured passage of ACT 815 - The Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act. The purpose of this law is to ensure that no one will be allowed to smoke on school campuses or in vehicles on school property.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act become law?
Beginning January 1, 2007, all schools in Louisiana with grades pre-K through 12th must become 100% smoke-free.

What does this mean for my school?
Schools in Louisiana with grades pre-K through 12th must prohibit smoking on school property, including buildings, grounds (outdoors and off campus school activities) and buses. Policies of this sort are generally referred to as 100% smoke-free policies.

Can I smoke in my car?
As long as your car is not located on school grounds you may smoke in your car, but if your car is located on any part of the school campus, you may not smoke in your car.

Can I get in trouble if my school does not enforce the law?
Yes. There are fines for both individuals caught smoking on school property and school sites that do not enforce the law.

What are fines to be paid by individuals caught smoking?
• $25 for the first offense,
• $50 for the second offense, and
• $100 for the third and subsequent offenses.

What are the fines to be paid by the schools?
• $100 for the first offense,
• $250 for the second offense, and
• $500 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Why are 100% smoke-free school policies good for all Louisiana students?
In our state, 9,000 kids under age 18 become new daily smokers each year and 107,900 kids now under age 18 will die prematurely from smoking (the approximate size of Lafayette, the fourth largest city in Louisiana).

Is there a website we can access to read further information regarding this act?
Yes. www.louisianasmokefreeairact.org