The Senate approves legislation doing away with the need to obtain a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana for those over 21 on a veto-proof 27 to 11 vote.
Bill author and West Monroe Senator Jay Morris said passage would make Louisiana the 21st state to adopt a so-called “Constitutional Carry” law.
“It is about freedom, freedom to do what you want to in this world and to be able to protect your family and your property without having to ask the government for permission,” said Morris. Morris further mentioned that those with felony records would still not be eligible to carry.
Houma Senator “Big” Mike Fesi voted in favor. He cited a recent mass shooting in Houma that he said could have been mitigated by the widespread adoption of concealed carry.
“Friday night we had five people shot in one of the clubs in Houma, if somebody would have been carrying they could have probably took the guy out now they still trying to find who it was,” said Fesi.
The legislation was also amended to make it so that any persons visiting Louisiana would be allowed to concealed carry without obtaining a permit.
Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux opposed the bill. He said America has a gun problem right now and this would just make matters worse.
“You see what happens is when we continue to say everybody get a gun, it’s like the wild wild west,” said Boudreaux who noted the legislation is opposed by the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police.
New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson’s proposed amendment to rename the bill the Thoughts and Prayers Act was rejected. She said this will further increase gun violence.
“You know it is inconsistent with our values, you know it is not smart, you know it is not good for our citizens to do this, you know that in your heart,” said Peterson.
That bill now heads to the House.
However, a House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without felony records to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state permit or training.
Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka supports the bill. He said getting a concealed carry permit costs up to 325 dollars and requires attendance at a nine-hour course.
“The cost of a permit in money and time disproportionately impacts economically disadvantaged populations who unfortunately often live in areas with higher crime rates, which means they have a greater need for self-defense,” said Zelenka.
This version of Constitutional Carry by Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot adds one stipulation that those concealed carrying must take a 60 minute free, state-created online training course covering gun safety and concealed carry.
Moms Demand Action member Nanette Olivier spoke out against the bill. She said polling available suggests there’s no popular support for removing the permitting and training requirements to carry a concealed handgun.
“Your constituents, 73 percent, oppose what is in this bill, so I don’t know who you are representing,” said Olivier.
The committee vote was 8-4 in favor.
Governor Edwards says he will reject any legislation that hits his desk removing the permitting requirement for concealed carry. The Senate passed a version of constitutional carry came with a with a veto-proof majority.
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