Louisiana Legislature Approves Constitutional Carry Bill for GOP Governor
A New Gun Law in Louisiana: Constitutional Carry
Exciting news for gun rights advocates in Louisiana! A bill that would allow any non-felon Louisiana resident to concealed carry a gun without a permit has passed both the state House and Senate. Governor Jeff Landry (R-LA) is expected to sign it into law.
The Republican-backed proposal, known as SB 1, received overwhelming support in the House with a 75-28 vote and in the Senate with a 28-10 vote. If signed, Louisiana will become the 28th state to enact a constitutional carry-style law.
The Louisiana bill, which can be viewed here, states that “law-abiding persons eighteen years of age and not otherwise prohibited may carry a concealed weapon lawfully without a permit.” This removes the previous requirements for concealed carry in the state.
Supporters of the bill, like Louisiana state Rep. Mike Johnson, argue that it will empower citizens to protect themselves in the face of rising crime rates. “People are getting raped, murdered, carjacked, and assaulted,” said Johnson. “A vote for this bill today gives the citizens of Louisiana the right to defend themselves.”
The legislation was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez, who highlighted that it would take effect on Independence Day if signed. “Thank you to the LA House of Representatives for passing #SB1 (Constitutional Carry) without amendments. It will now head to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk for signature with an effective date of July 4th this year, in honor of our nation’s Independence Day,” he said.
Thank you to the LA House of Representatives for passing #SB1 (Constitutional Carry) without amendments. It will now head to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk for signature with an effective date of July 4th this year, in honor of our nation’s Independence Day. #2A #lalege #lagov
— Blake Miguez (@BlakeMiguezLA) February 28, 2024
The proposal gained momentum after Governor Landry urged the state legislature to pass tougher punishments for crime and a constitutional carry bill during a special session.
In support of the bill, Governor Landry emphasized the importance of law-abiding gun owners in deterring violent crime. “While criminals carry guns without regard for the law, lawful gun owners are our most law-abiding citizens. Their armed presence helps deter violent crime,” Landry said. “It is time Louisiana joins 27 other states who have created a constitutional right to carry a firearm without the government’s permission. This body has repeatedly passed it. Now you have a governor who will sign it.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
It’s worth noting that a constitutional carry bill was vetoed in June 2021 by then-Governor John Bel Edwards (D-LA) despite overwhelming support from the state House and Senate.
Governor Landry, who won the election with over 50% of the vote in Louisiana’s “jungle primary” in October 2023, campaigned on tackling crime and improving the economy and public school system. His campaign website criticized “woke” district attorneys for being soft on crime, and he vowed to hold everyone accountable for violent crime as governor.
How do proponents of constitutional carry laws justify the removal of training requirements and background checks?
>#lalege pic.twitter.com/6WBorn3xQV
— Blake Miguez (@BlakeMiguez) June 1, 2021
However, critics of the law argue that it could lead to more violence and accidental shootings. They believe that the absence of training requirements and background checks could result in dangerous individuals carrying firearms.
Louisiana is not the first state to pass such a law. States like Alaska, Arizona, and Wyoming already have constitutional carry laws in place, allowing residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Proponents of these laws argue that they remove unnecessary barriers for law-abiding citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights.
The push for constitutional carry laws has gained momentum in recent years, as several states have successfully adopted similar legislation. Supporters argue that these laws are in line with the intent of the Second Amendment and give individuals the ability to protect themselves.
In contrast, critics believe that constitutional carry laws pose a threat to public safety and could result in more gun-related incidents. They argue that the requirements for concealed carry permits, which often include background checks and training, are important safeguards that should not be eliminated.
It remains to be seen how the implementation of constitutional carry in Louisiana will play out. Will it lead to a safer environment where law-abiding citizens can defend themselves, or will it result in an increase in firearm-related incidents? Only time will tell.
As the debate continues across the country, Louisiana joins the growing list of states that have embraced constitutional carry. Whether other states will follow suit remains uncertain, but the discussion surrounding gun rights and public safety will undoubtedly persist.
In the meantime, residents of Louisiana await the governor’s signature on the bill and the July 4th effective date – a symbolic gesture to coincide with the celebration of the nation’s independence and the expansion of individual gun rights within the state.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
