NEW ORLEANS — Twenty-seven states, including our bordering states of Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi allow permitless carry of a concealed firearm.
Thursday, the state senate took up a bill by Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, that would add Louisiana to that list.
“Criminals inherently disregard gun laws,” Miguez said. “Currently crime is rampant, and we are offering law-abiding citizens limited options to defend themselves and their property.”
The measure would allow anyone in Louisiana over the age of 18, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit as long as they are not prohibited by law from owning a firearm.
Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans argued the new law would be dangerous and irresponsible. He dispelled the notion that the right to bear arms is a God given right.
“My God does not say that everybody gets to carry a gun,” Duplessis said. “So, you’re right to carry a gun should not infringe on my right or my family’s right to live safely in a community.”
Sen. Pat Connick, R-Marrero said so called constitutional carry is a key component in Gov. Jeff Landry’s tough on crime agenda.
“If you’re going to carry a weapon you should be trained,” Connick admitted. But I think the push is to allow people who want to carry a gun without a permit to make that happen. Is that the right thing, I don’t know, but it is what it is, and the governor is pushing it.”
Supporters of the bill fought off all amendments, including one that would raise the age for permitless carry from 18 to 21.
Another would have allowed for a two-year transition period before the new law took effect in New Orleans.
The bill passed 28-to-18 and is now on its way to the House for more debate.
WATCH: WWL Louisiana's Alyssa Curtis breaks down the fourth day of Gov. Landry's Special Session on Crime below:
The senate also advanced a companion bill that would expand self-defense immunity and limit civil liability for gun owners who get safety training and a permit to carry a weapon.
Connick was able to tack an amendment on to that bill, making it clear that limited liability only applies in cases where the shooting was justified.
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