Jonah Patel
As of July 4, 2024, Louisiana became the 28th or 29th state to pass a law allowing constitutional carry, or the permitless carry of a concealed weapon. This means that Louisiana residents over the age of 18 who are not prohibited from possessing a firearm can now carry a concealed gun without a permit or training. The new law has several stipulations regarding the carrying of a firearm in public places, such as prohibiting concealed guns in certain buildings and for individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status | Constitutional carry is legal in Louisiana as of July 4, 2024 |
| Permit requirement | No permit required to carry a concealed gun |
| Age requirement | Individuals must be at least 18 years old |
| Criminal record | Must not have a felony conviction |
| Training requirement | No training required |
| Alcohol restrictions | Blood alcohol content must be under 0.05 |
| Prohibited locations | Law enforcement buildings, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, municipal or state buildings, school zones, bars, and other locations |
| Reciprocity | Louisiana honors permits from states that recognize Louisiana permits |
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What You'll Learn
- Louisiana's constitutional carry law allows residents over 18 to carry a concealed gun without a permit
- There are restrictions on where a gun can be carried, including schools, law enforcement buildings, and bars
- Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol above the legal limit are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon
- The law does not require a permit, background check, or firearms registration when buying a handgun from a private individual
- Louisiana is the 28th state to pass constitutional carry, with 27 other states already having passed similar legislation
Louisiana's constitutional carry law allows residents over 18 to carry a concealed gun without a permit
Louisiana's constitutional carry law, which came into effect on July 4, 2024, allows residents over the age of 18 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. The law was signed by Governor Jeff Landry, making Louisiana the 28th state to pass such legislation. This new statute eliminates the requirement for a conceal carry permit, as well as the need for fingerprinting and firearms training. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on who can carry a concealed weapon and where it can be carried.
The constitutional carry law specifically applies to Louisiana residents aged 18 and above, who do not have a felony conviction. While this law grants them the right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, certain locations remain off-limits. These include public buildings, courthouses, law enforcement buildings, detention facilities, polling places, municipal or state buildings, school zones, and bars. Additionally, individuals under the influence of drugs or with alcohol levels exceeding 0.05 are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon.
Despite concerns raised by critics and firearms instructors about the removal of training requirements, supporters of the law argue that it is a victory for liberty and the Second Amendment right to self-defence. The bill's author, Senator Blake Miguez, acknowledged these concerns and introduced incentives for individuals to voluntarily obtain concealed carry permits, even though they are no longer mandatory. These incentives include civil immunity under the law if the firearm is used in self-defence.
It is worth noting that Louisiana has long been an ""open carry" state, and the new law adds to the existing permissive gun laws in the state. The state does not require a permit, background check, or firearms registration when purchasing a handgun from a private individual. Additionally, Louisiana does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public, further emphasising the state's stance on gun rights. However, certain areas, such as parades and bars, are off-limits for carrying firearms, even in an open manner.
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There are restrictions on where a gun can be carried, including schools, law enforcement buildings, and bars
Louisiana is a "shall-issue, permitless carry" state, meaning that, as of July 4, 2024, anyone over the age of 18 may own and carry a concealed handgun without a permit or any kind of training. However, there are restrictions on where a gun can be carried, including schools, law enforcement buildings, and bars.
The Gun-Free School Zones Act specifies an area within 1,000 feet of a school as a gun-free zone. In addition, Louisiana law prohibits carrying a gun on school buses and school campuses.
Law enforcement offices, stations, and buildings are also off-limits for carrying a gun. This includes detention facilities, prisons, and jails. A judge, however, may carry a weapon in their own courtroom.
Other restricted areas include polling places, municipal buildings, and the state capitol building. Carrying a gun in any portion of an airport facility where firearms are prohibited is also illegal. Bars and restaurants (where the individual's blood alcohol content is over .05) are also off-limits for carrying a gun.
It is important to note that these laws are constantly changing, and legal advice should always be tailored to the individual's specific circumstances. It is recommended to consult with state or local authorities and to refer to the most up-to-date information available.
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Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol above the legal limit are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon
Louisiana is a "shall-issue, permitless carry state", which means that anyone over the age of 18 can carry a firearm without a permit, provided they are not prohibited from possessing a firearm. However, individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol above the legal limit are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon. Louisiana's DUI laws prohibit driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with penalties including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The legal blood alcohol limit in Louisiana for operating a motor vehicle is 0.08% or lower, and similar laws apply to driving boats. In Baton Rouge, open containers of alcohol are prohibited in public places, except in designated entertainment districts or during permitted events.
Louisiana's constitutional carry law allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, but it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where firearms can be carried. These restrictions include schools, government buildings, establishments that sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, and other locations deemed sensitive areas, such as courthouses and airports. The law also respects private property rights, allowing business owners and individuals to prohibit firearms on their premises.
While the constitutional carry law in Louisiana has removed the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, there are still eligibility criteria that must be met. Individuals with recent DUI and drug convictions, protective orders, or certain felony convictions are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon. Additionally, individuals must not have a mental or physical infirmity that prevents them from safely handling a handgun.
It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding firearm possession and alcohol consumption in Louisiana are subject to change and may have updated since the last legislative session. It is always advisable to refer to the official legislation and seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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The law does not require a permit, background check, or firearms registration when buying a handgun from a private individual
In the United States, the term "constitutional carry" refers to the legal public carrying of a handgun, either openly or concealed, without a license or permit. The phrase reflects the idea that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not allow restrictions on gun rights, including the right to carry or bear arms.
Louisiana is a "shall-issue, permitless carry state", which means that there is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Louisiana does not require private sellers (sellers who are not licensed dealers) to initiate a background check when transferring a firearm. However, federal law requires federally licensed firearms dealers to initiate a background check on the purchaser prior to the sale of a firearm. Louisiana law states that concealed handgun permit holders in Louisiana are exempt from federal background checks when purchasing a firearm.
Louisiana is the 28th state to exercise constitutional carry. As of July 4, 2024, anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm may concealed carry a firearm without a permit. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars. It is important to note that Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits, and non-resident permits are not available.
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Louisiana is the 28th state to pass constitutional carry, with 27 other states already having passed similar legislation
Louisiana has become the 28th US state to pass constitutional carry, with 27 other states already having passed similar legislation. This means that, as of July 4, 2024, Louisiana residents over the age of 18 are permitted to carry a concealed gun without a permit or training.
The new law was signed by Governor Jeff Landry, who stated that "law-abiding citizens should never have to seek government permission to safeguard themselves and their families". While some have expressed concern about the removal of training requirements, the bill's author, Senator Blake Miguez, has emphasised that it is still an individual's responsibility to follow the restrictions, obligations, and responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm.
The law does have several stipulations regarding the carrying of a firearm in public places. For example, no concealed guns are allowed in buildings where firearms are banned by state or federal law, including law enforcement buildings, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, and municipal or state buildings. The law also extends to school zones and bars, but concealed guns are allowed in restaurants that serve alcohol.
In addition, individuals under the influence of drugs or with alcohol levels over 0.05 are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon. While Louisiana is a shall-issue state, meaning that concealed weapons permits are processed at the state level, the new law provides an incentive for individuals to obtain a permit. Those with a permit will have civil immunity under the law if they use their firearm in self-defence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of July 4, 2024, Louisiana residents over the age of 18 are allowed to carry a concealed gun without a permit.
Yes, there are several stipulations regarding the carrying of a firearm in public places. No concealed guns are allowed in any building where firearms are banned by state or federal law, including law enforcement buildings, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, and municipal or state buildings. The law further extends to school zones and bars.
Yes, concealed guns are allowed in restaurants that serve alcohol as long as the individual carrying the firearm has a blood alcohol content under 0.05.
Yes, it is important to note that the state of Louisiana does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public. Therefore, it is legal for anyone over the age of 18 who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm to openly carry a weapon without a permit. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars.
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