Permitless concealed carry is headed to Governor Jeff Landry's desk.
The Louisiana House of Representatives approved Sen. Blake Miguez's (R-New Iberia) bill to allow Louisiana residents carry concealed guns without needing a permit to do so. The final vote was 75 for and 28 against with two members absent. That vote, like the Senate's vote to approve the bill, fell along party lines, with House Republicans approving the bill and Democrats voting to reject it.
The bill's champions say allowing Louisiana residents to carry concealed guns without a permit will deter crime because it would allow law-abiding citizens to intervene when crime takes place. Opponents say allowing permitless concealed carry will allow people who are not properly trained in handling firearms to carry a gun, possibly leading to more shootings. Opponents also believe permitless concealed carry will put law enforcement officers in danger while taking away an officer's ability to stop a possible criminal when they spot someone carrying a concealed gun.
Governor Landry has vowed to sign the bill into law.
