Rep Jack McFarland (R) Jonesboro
The Louisiana Conservative Caucus is calling for lawmakers to vote in favor of heading into a veto override session to overturn the Governor’s rejection of Constitutional Carry legislation.
Caucus head, Representative Jack McFarland, said the governor’s veto was a direct hit against Louisianans’ 2nd Amendment rights.
“Our 2nd Amendment guarantees us the right to bear arms,” said McFarland, a Jonesborough Republican. “We go through a federal background check and that federal background check determines whether we can purchase and possess a firearm.”
Under the bill by West Monroe Senator Jay Morris anyone 21 and older could carry a concealed firearm without needing a permit or training. This would not apply to those who are already banned from possessing firearms, such as felons. Opponents argue passing this bill would result in an increase in untrained gun ownership and more shootings whether they be accidental or the result of interpersonal conflicts.
A majority of lawmakers in both chambers of the Legislature would need to agree to an override session for one to be held. Reportedly there is already enough support in the House but the outlook is less certain in the Senate. McFarland is optimistic though that it will get done.
“I have spoken to my Senator, Jay Morris, who actually carried SB 118. It is his belief that there is a desire by the Senate to have an override veto session, as well as other Senators that I have spoken with,” said McFarland.
The bill cleared the House and Senate with over two-thirds support. Should those votes hold in a potential veto-override session the veto would be overridden.
McFarland said there’s also interest in holding the veto session to override the Governor’s rejection of legislation banning transgender athletes from girls’ K-12 and college sports teams.
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