A House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without felony records to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state permit or training.
Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka supports the bill. He said getting a concealed carry permit costs up to 325 dollars and requires attendance at a nine-hour course.
“The cost of a permit in money and time disproportionately impacts economically disadvantaged populations who unfortunately often live in areas with higher crime rates, which means they have a greater need for self-defense,” said Zelenka.
This version of Constitutional Carry by Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot adds one stipulation that those concealed carrying must take a 60 minute free, state-created online training course covering gun safety and concealed carry.
Moms Demand Action member Nanette Olivier spoke out against the bill. She said polling available suggests there’s no popular support for removing the permitting and training requirements to carry a concealed handgun.
“Your constituents, 73 percent, oppose what is in this bill, so I don’t know who you are representing,” said Olivier.
The committee vote was 8-4 in favor.
Governor Edwards says he will reject any legislation that hits his desk removing the permitting requirement for concealed carry. Wednesday the Senate passed a version of constitutional carry with a veto-proof majority.
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