Malcolm Rivera
Louisiana's constitutional carry law, which allows any law-abiding citizen aged 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, went into effect on July 4, 2024. The bill, also known as Senate Bill 1, was signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry earlier that year and made Louisiana the 28th state to enact a form of Constitutional Carry legislation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Effect | 4 July 2024 |
| Bill Number | Senate Bill 1 |
| Sponsor | Sen. Blake Miguez |
| Signed by | Governor Jeff Landry |
| Age Limit | 18 or older |
| Type of Firearm | Concealed |
| Permit Required | No |
| Number of States with Similar Laws | 28 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Louisiana is the 28th state to enact constitutional carry
Louisiana has become the 28th state to enact a form of constitutional carry legislation, allowing any law-abiding citizen aged 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 1, was signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry on March 5, 2024, and went into effect on July 4, 2024.
Previously, Louisiana required individuals to obtain a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm, which was only available to people 21 and older. The permitting process included background checks and extensive training on the safe and legal use of firearms.
Senate Bill 1 was sponsored by Senator Blake Miguez and supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Louisiana Shooting Association (LSA). It faced limited police opposition, and it was passed with a vote of 75-28 in the House. Governor Landry had pledged to sign the bill, stating that it strengthens the right to self-defense in Louisiana.
The new law allows anyone who could have legally open-carried with no permit to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, individuals carrying concealed weapons without a permit are still subject to the same duties and restrictions as those carrying with permits. Additionally, Louisiana continues to prohibit the "negligent carrying of a concealed handgun," regardless of whether the person is authorized to carry or not.
The enactment of constitutional carry in Louisiana is part of a broader effort to clarify and improve the state's concealed carry and other gun laws. It is also a victory for supporters of the Second Amendment, who argue that permit laws violate the right to keep and bear arms.
The Great Gun Debate: Shall Issue vs Constitutional Carry
You may want to see also
The law went into effect on July 4, 2024
On July 4, 2024, Louisiana's law allowing individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a permit went into effect. This law, also known as the Constitutional Carry Bill or Senate Bill 1, was signed by Governor Jeff Landry earlier in the year.
The law removes the requirement for individuals to obtain a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm. Previously, the permitting process mandated individuals to pass background checks and complete safety training to obtain a permit. Now, any law-abiding citizen aged 18 or older can carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Louisiana is the 28th state to enact such legislation, joining other states like Missouri that have already implemented Constitutional Carry. The bill's proponents, including Senator Blake Miguez, argue that it is a common-sense solution that allows residents to exercise their natural right to self-defense. They also believe that it will reduce crime.
However, not everyone agrees with this assessment. Some individuals, like state Rep. Tammy Phelps, have expressed concerns about the law, particularly regarding the age requirement. Additionally, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has indicated its intention to continue prohibiting permitless carry within the city of New Orleans until August 1, 2024, based on a city ordinance.
While the law went into effect on July 4, 2024, it is important to note that Louisiana has always allowed permitless open carry. The new legislation expands on this by allowing eligible individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit, aligning with the preferences of many citizens for concealed carry over open carry.
Basketball Carrying: Defining the Rules of Dribbling and Control
You may want to see also
It allows law-abiding citizens 18+ to carry a concealed weapon without a permit
On July 4, 2024, Louisiana's Constitutional Carry law came into effect, allowing law-abiding citizens aged 18 and over to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. This law was signed by Governor Jeff Landry, who supported the bill, stating that it would strengthen the right to self-defence in Louisiana.
The bill, also known as Senate Bill 1, was authored by Senator Blake Miguez, who proposed that the law would reduce crime. Miguez's proposal was supported by far-right conservatives, who claimed that permit laws violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The bill was passed with a 75-28 vote in the House, and it was expected to be signed into law by Governor Landry.
Prior to this law, Louisiana required individuals to obtain a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm. The permitting process included background checks and firearms safety training. With the new law in place, law-abiding citizens aged 18 and over are no longer required to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Louisiana. This change aligns with the state's existing permitless open carry law, making concealed carry a more socially acceptable and preferred method.
It is important to note that the new law does not change the duties and restrictions that apply to individuals carrying concealed weapons. Louisiana continues to prohibit the negligent carrying of a concealed handgun, regardless of whether the person is authorised to carry one. Additionally, the state's permitting system remains in place, and individuals who wish to obtain a permit can still apply through the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or local law enforcement agencies.
The Difference Between Concealed and Constitutional Carry Laws
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The bill was signed by Governor Jeff Landry
On March 5, 2024, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 1 into law, allowing any law-abiding citizen aged 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The bill, authored by Senator Blake Miguez and co-authored by Speaker Pro Tem. Mike Johnson, was backed by the NRA and passed in a 75-28 vote in the House. Louisiana thus became the 28th state to enact a form of Constitutional Carry legislation.
Governor Landry's signature on the bill strengthened the right to self-defense in Louisiana by recognizing the right of any law-abiding adult, 18 years or older, to carry a concealed firearm without first having to obtain government permission. This marked a significant shift from the previous requirement for concealed weapon holders to apply for a permit, pass a background check, and undergo firearms safety training.
The signing of the bill into law was met with mixed reactions. Proponents of the bill, such as state Rep. Danny McCormick, argued that it only allows law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons and that individuals should have the right to protect themselves. On the other hand, critics like state Rep. Tammy Phelps raised concerns about the age requirement, noting that an 18-year-old's brain is not fully developed, and questioned the timing of the bill given the state's uptick in gun violence.
The Constitutional Carry law in Louisiana officially went into effect on July 4, 2024. This change brought Louisiana in line with other states that have enacted similar legislation, modernizing what had already been the status quo in the state regarding open carry laws. While this particular bill pertained specifically to handguns, it is worth noting that the broader language of the new law is not limited to handguns alone.
The passage of this bill was a significant victory for supporters of Second Amendment-protected rights in Louisiana. With the regular legislative session set to begin soon after the bill's passage, there was momentum to build on these achievements and secure further victories in support of gun rights.
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: Cabinet's Role
You may want to see also
The bill was opposed by some law enforcement agencies
On July 6, 2024, Louisiana became the 28th state to enact a form of Constitutional Carry legislation, allowing any law-abiding citizen aged 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The bill was opposed by some law enforcement agencies, who raised concerns about the potential impact on public safety and the ability of officers to safely and effectively carry out their duties.
Some law enforcement officials argued that the bill could hinder the ability of officers to safely interact with citizens, as they would have no way of knowing if a citizen was carrying a concealed weapon. There were also concerns that the bill could make it more difficult for officers to de-escalate situations and increase the risk of violent encounters. Additionally, opponents of the bill highlighted the potential impact on the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. They argued that the bill could create a sense of fear and distrust, making it more challenging for officers to build trust and collaborate with the community to prevent and solve crimes.
Another concern raised by law enforcement agencies was the potential for an increase in gun violence. They pointed out that Louisiana had already seen an uptick in gun violence, and there were worries that easing restrictions on concealed carry permits could exacerbate the problem. Opponents of the bill also questioned the message it sent to the public about the state's commitment to reducing gun violence and promoting public safety.
Some law enforcement agencies also expressed disappointment that their input and expertise were not adequately considered during the development and passage of the bill. They argued that the bill was rushed through the legislative process without sufficient consultation with law enforcement professionals, who have firsthand experience with the complexities of gun-related issues. There were also concerns that the bill could create additional challenges and complexities for law enforcement in terms of training, resource allocation, and investigations.
While the Constitutional Carry bill in Louisiana faced opposition from some law enforcement agencies, it is important to note that there were also law enforcement officers who supported the bill or believed it would not significantly change their operations. Additionally, the bill's proponents emphasized the importance of upholding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and their right to protect themselves.
Wisconsin's Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Louisiana Constitutional Carry law went into effect on July 4, 2024.
The law allows any individual aged 18 or over, who may legally possess firearms, to carry a firearm concealed on his or her person in public without a license or permit.
Prior to the new law, individuals in Louisiana had to obtain a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm. The permitting process included background checks and training on the safe and legal use of a firearm.
![Byrna SD [Self Defense] Kinetic Launcher Ultimate Bundle - Non Lethal Kinetic Projectile Launcher, Home & Personal Defense | Proudly Assembled in The USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wu-phEIPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
