Smarterlam / CC
The Senate approves legislation doing away with the need to obtain a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana for those over 21 on a veto-proof 27 to 11 vote.
Bill author and West Monroe Senator Jay Morris said passage would make Louisiana the 21st state to adopt a so-called “Constitutional Carry” law.
“It is about freedom, freedom to do what you want to in this world and to be able to protect your family and your property without having to ask the government for permission,” said Morris. Morris further mentioned that those with felony records would still not be eligible to carry.
Houma Senator “Big” Mike Fesi voted in favor. He cited a recent mass shooting in Houma that he said could have been mitigated by the widespread adoption of concealed carry.
“Friday night we had five people shot in one of the clubs in Houma, if somebody would have been carrying they could have probably took the guy out now they still trying to find who it was,” said Fesi.
The legislation was also amended to make it so that any persons visiting Louisiana would be allowed to concealed carry without obtaining a permit.
Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux opposed the bill. He said America has a gun problem right now and this would just make matters worse.
“You see what happens is when we continue to say everybody get a gun, it’s like the wild wild west,” said Boudreaux who noted the legislation is opposed by the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police.
New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson’s proposed amendment to rename the bill the Thoughts and Prayers Act was rejected. She said this will further increase gun violence.
“You know it is inconsistent with our values, you know it is not smart, you know it is not good for our citizens to do this, you know that in your heart,” said Peterson.
The bill heads to the House.
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