LOUISIANA, USA — Louisiana lawmakers will meet in the state capitol on Monday for a special session aimed at reducing crime.
“He’s looking for solutions,” Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez said.
Some people fear that some bills on the table may do just the opposite.
“This is not going to make us safer,” WWL Louisiana Legal Analyst, Clancy DuBos said.
Legislators will review two dozen agenda, one of which would lower age restrictions, allowing anyone 18 or older, who has not been convicted of a felony, to carry a gun without a permit.
“People could get hurt and innocent bystanders could die. There’s a reason why police and military personnel get extensive and ongoing training in the handling and use of firearms,” DuBos said.
Our partners at WBRZ interviewed one of the authors of the bill, who says removing restrictions to guns puts people on an even playing field with criminals, but he did agree that there should be training.
“All gun owners should advocate gun safety,” Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez said.
If the bill he authored passes, that won’t be required. Miguez also introduced a second bill that would incentivize gun owners to still take safety courses, but the legalities could be tricky.
“That's the opposite of responsibility. It's allowing them to be irresponsible and setting a very high standard of gross negligence which is not easy to me. In a court of law,” DuBos said.
On Valentine's day, one woman was killed and multiple others were injured in a mass shooting at a Super Bowl parade in Kansas City.
With next year’s Super Bowl scheduled for the Super Dome, other Louisiana politicians aren’t on board.
“I think we’re going in the wrong direction,” Louisiana Representative Denise Marcelle said.
“Next year, in 2025, New Orleans will be hosting a Super Bowl, we don’t need 18-year-olds walking around guns concealed,” Louisiana Senator Royce Duplessis said.
Louisiana representatives have tried to pass similar bills in the past without success.
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