A Louisiana House committee reviewed numerous gun bills on Tuesday, with some approved, and others rejected or involuntarily deferred.
Members of the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice voted 8-1 to approve House Bill 131, sponsored by Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, to allow a person over the age of 18 to carry a concealed firearm, as long as they’re not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
The legislation was backed by the National Rifle Association, and opposed by gun violence victims, the Louisiana Municipal Association, Moms Demand Action, the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Currently, 27 states allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, including all states bordering Louisiana.
The committee also approved HB 38, sponsored by Rep. Joe Stagni, R-Kenner, to repeal the current law that requires retired qualified law enforcement officers to recertify annually Peace Officer Standards and Training Council certification to carry a concealed firearm in the state.
Stagni noted that the requirement is more onerous than the process for citizens to obtain a concealed carry permit, and the bill passed without objection.
HB 464, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodaux, cleared the committee as well, with a vote of 10-3. The bill would increase the penalty for felons prohibited from carrying a firearm from no less than five years, to no less than 10. HB 464 would further require judges to sentence those convicted of violating the prohibition consecutively with other crimes involving firearms while on probation or parole.
