Ibro Palic / CC
On a ten to three vote, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle voted against it and said issuing gun permits is vital to know who has the legal right to carry.
“Because that is a mechanism by which we could know who has a permit. Do you know how many permits we’ve issued,” Marcelle questioned bill author, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick.
“I don’t have any idea,” McCormick responded.
“What would this bill solve?” Marcelle asked.
“It’d give the right to poor people to carry concealed,” McCormick stated.
“Poor people?” Marcelle asked to clarify.
McCormick said people should not have to pay for a permit to conceal carry.
Current law requires gun training in order to receive a permit, and St. Martinville Representative Marcus Bryant expressed concern about removing instruction.
“I have sons, if they don’t get the training, they are going to shoot themselves in the butt, or do something real, real crazy,” said Bryant.
Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo rationalized support of the bill that if criminals can conceal carry why not those who haven’t broken the law.
“Why shouldn’t an otherwise law-abiding citizen, all he wants to do is protect his family and his property, that’s all he wants to do, why shouldn’t he have the same ability to conceal carry that a criminal has?” Garofalo asked State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis.
When asked if he had support from law enforcement, McCormick responded he had local support and that he had not spoken with State Police. Davis spoke in opposition saying legal conceal carry puts law enforcement at a disadvantage and the training one receives with their permit is invaluable to keep others safe.
In closing statements, McCormick said the state constitution is specific about a citizen’s right to bear arms.
“The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny,” said McCormick.
The bill passed out of committee 10-3.
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