New Louisiana laws address school threats, misuse of AI-generated images

As students settle into a new school year, Avoyelles Parish Schools is asking families to be aware of two new Louisiana laws that carry serious consequences for threats involving schools and the misuse of certain artificial intelligence-generated images.

The district recently shared information with students and families explaining that threats made in person, through text messages, on social media or through other forms of communication can result in both school disciplinary action and criminal consequences for both students and their guardians (Act 619). A second new law (Act 782) addresses the creation, possession, and distribution of certain unauthorized AI-generated nude or sexual images.

Both laws took effect August 1, 2026. .

School threats carry stronger penalties

Act 619, the School Threat Accountability and Safety Act, increases penalties for terrorizing or menacing involving school property, school functions or firearm-free zones.

Terrorizing can carry up to a $15,000 fine and five to 15 years at hard labor, while menacing can bring up to a $1,000 fine and two to five years in prison. Parents or guardians may also face fines when a minor is found guilty.

Louisiana law defines terrorizing as intentionally communicating information that a crime of violence is imminent or underway, or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing sustained fear, an evacuation or another serious disruption.

Threats are not limited to statements made face-to-face. They may be communicated orally, visually or in writing and can include social media posts, text messages, emails and other forms of online communication.

Act 619 also includes an education requirement for schools. During the first five days of each school year, public school principals must provide students in grades six and above with information about the crimes and consequences of terrorizing or menacing a school. Parents or legal guardians must also receive the information and acknowledge receipt.

Louisiana law already requires school employees who learn of threats of violence or terrorism to immediately report them to local law enforcement and school administrators. Schools are also required to investigate reported threats and preserve relevant evidence, including electronic messages, recordings and photographs.

Avoyelles Parish Schools officials say the goal is for students to understand the seriousness of threatening language before a poor decision results in consequences that can extend far beyond school discipline.

“Students need to understand that the things they say, text or post can have very real consequences,” said Jennifer Dismer, Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor for Avoyelles Parish Schools. “We want our students to feel safe at school, but we also want them to understand their responsibility in helping maintain that safe environment. We encourage families to have these conversations at home and remind their children to report anything concerning to a trusted adult or school official.”

New law addresses misuse of AI-generated images

A second law highlighted by the district is Act 782, known as the Ivy Daniels Act. The law expands Louisiana's criminal statutes involving deepfakes and certain AI-generated images.

Among its provisions, the law addresses the unauthorized possession and distribution of certain AI-created images depicting minors as nude or partially undressed, as well as AI-generated deepfakes depicting minors engaged in sexual conduct.

Penalties vary depending upon the conduct involved and the age of the person depicted. Some offenses involving AI-generated sexual material depicting minors can result in significant fines and years of imprisonment.

The law also adds certain AI-generated images to Louisiana’s sexting provisions involving minors, including unauthorized possession or malicious distribution intended to harass, intimidate or coerce.

Schools must also educate students in grades six and above about the law during the first five days of school, with parents or guardians required to receive and acknowledge the information.

District encourages conversations at home

Avoyelles Parish Schools is encouraging families to use the new laws as an opportunity to talk with children about responsible decision-making, particularly when using smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence.

Students should understand that content created or shared digitally can have consequences beyond the classroom. Something intended as a joke or sent impulsively can spread quickly and may result in school disciplinary action or, depending on the circumstances, involvement by law enforcement.

The laws do not mean that every joke, disagreement, or AI-generated image constitutes a crime. Whether particular conduct violates Louisiana law depends upon the circumstances and whether the elements of the applicable criminal statute are met.

The district is encouraging students who see or hear a potential threat or encounter concerning digital content to not share or redistribute it. Instead, students should report the situation to a parent, teacher, administrator, or other trusted adult.

“My priority is to work alongside our students, families, schools and community partners to help keep our children safe and informed. These new laws give us an important opportunity to have meaningful conversations with young people about making responsible choices, recognizing potentially harmful situations and knowing when and how to report concerns.

Within the first few days of the school year, parent information generated from the Louisiana Department of Education was sent home with all students, outlining important information related to these new laws.

Parents and students were asked to review, sign, and return the form to their child’s school so that families could be informed and involved in this important conversation. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we want our community to understand that speaking up when something does not seem right can help prevent a situation from escalating. We encourage families and community members to stay informed, talk openly with children about what they see and share online, and work with our schools when concerns arise. Our goal is not simply to respond after something happens, but to work together to promote awareness, prevention, and a safe environment for every child,” Jennifer Dismer, Avoyelles Parish Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor.