Ibro Palic / CC
A Senate committee approved a House-backed measure today that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 years to conceal carry a weapon without needing a permit or the training to obtain a permit. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed a similar bill last year and Tom Costanza, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops also opposes it.
“HB 37 fails to build on a culture of life, instead it makes it easier for persons to act and to endanger our communities and workplaces,” said Costanza.
But Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says allowing for concealed carry without a permit will not lead to more gun violence.
“The states that have constitutional carry have experienced no more issues than carry permit states, which is to say very, very few issues,” said Zelenka.
The measure passed on a four to two vote and heads to the Senate floor for final legislative passage.
Zelenka says requiring gun holders to get a permit costs as much as $325, while criminals are carrying guns without a permit.
“This law only protects law-abiding citizens from being arrested for carrying a concealed firearm, it doesn’t affect criminals one way or another, because they are already illegally carrying,” said Zelenka.
Zelenka says gun owners would still be able to get a permit and training under this legislation. He says a concealed carry permit is needed in order to conceal carry in other states or at a restaurant that serves alcohol.
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