Governor John Bel Edwards quietly vetoes legislation that would do away conceal carry permits and background checks for gun owners.
The Senate approved the bill 27-9 followed by the House 73-28 before heading to the governor’s desk. Edwards vetoed the bill late Thursday night according to Nola.com.
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The bill, dubbed “constitutional carry” would have allowed anyone 21 years of age or older to carry a gun concealed without having a conceal carry permit or go through training and a background check. Louisiana already has an “open carry” law, which allows gun owners to carry a handgun on them if it is exposed and not hidden.
Opponents of the bill say getting rid of the permit requirement would flood the streets with untrained gun owners, creating a safety risk for law enforcement.
Bill supporters argued the $15 fee for a five-year permit and $200 fee for training created a barrier for poor residents from exercising their constitutional right.
The veto comes as no surprise as Edwards has openly opposed the bill. The move now sets lawmakers up for a possible veto override special session.