Louisiana lawmakers advance bill allowing concealed carry without permit

Republican state senators in Louisiana introduced a bill Thursday that would allow adults 18 and older to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

The Senate approved that bill and another that would provide some level of civil liability immunity for people who shoot someone using a concealed firearm in self-defense. Associated Press reported.

The bills were passed during a special legislative session convened to address violent crime in the state. They now head to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

State Senator Blake Miguez bill sponsorSB1 expressed gratitude to Senate Republicans who passed the bill unanimously.

“This important legislation would give Louisiana a stronger second right of self-defense, similar to what citizens of neighboring states enjoy.” he posted on xthe platform formerly known as Twitter.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, has indicated he intends to sign the bill once it reaches his desk, the Associated Press reported.

The state currently requires concealed carry permit holders to be fingerprinted and pay a fee, which supporters of the bill say is unconstitutional, the newswire reported.

according to American Concealed Carry AssociationTwenty-seven states allow concealed carry without a permit.

in Another online postMiguez said the bill “gives” people “the means to protect themselves and their families from violent criminals.”

Miguez and other Republicans say people should be able to carry concealed weapons without a permit to protect themselves from criminals, while Democrats say it could lead to more gun violence. The Associated Press pointed out that.

The special legislative session begins Monday and will address the state’s crime issues. In his Monday speech, Landry said Louisiana had the highest violent crime rate in the country in 2021.

The Associated Press contributed.