A Louisiana Senate judiciary committee approved legislation allowing those 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit or training. The vote was 3-1 vote.
The bill, by former law enforcement officer and Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot, seeks to have Louisiana join Texas as the latest “Constitutional Carry” state. It is opposed by both the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police and Governor John Bel Edwards.
Democratic Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver lambasted the bill in committee Tuesday, telling Fontenot this will lead to more gun violence.
“You know I ought to be for this bill, I oughta give you a donation, I’m an undertaker," quipped Tarver. “This bill is going to boost my business.” said Tarver.
Fontenot countered that there is no research to suggest that his proposal will result in more crime.
“I have two children, one of which turned 17 this week and one of which is eight, and if I had any inclination, any belief after studying the research that crime would rise I would not sit at this table,” said Fontenot.
The bill notes that no individual who is currently barred from owning a gun or who is intoxicated may carry a concealed firearm. It also calls on Louisiana State Police to provide a free but optional 60-minute online training course that covers concealed carry basics like interaction with law enforcement, gun-free zones, and use of deadly force.
A nearly identical bill by West Monroe Senator Jay Morris passed both chambers on margins large enough to override a veto.