January 1, Louisiana Legislature Passes Permitless Concealed Carry Bill

The Louisiana Legislature has successfully passed a bill, SB 1, that would allow any non-felon resident of the state to carry a concealed gun without a permit. This Republican-backed proposal has been approved by both the state House and Senate and is now awaiting the signature of Governor Jeff Landry (R-LA).

The House passed the bill on Wednesday with a 75-28 vote, following the Senate’s approval last week with a 28-10 vote. If Governor Landry signs the bill, Louisiana will become the 28th state to enact a constitutional carry-style law.

The bill stipulates that “law-abiding persons eighteen years of age and not otherwise prohibited may carry a concealed weapon lawfully without a permit,” effectively removing the previous requirements for concealed carry in the state.

Louisiana state Rep. Mike Johnson voiced his support for the bill, stating,
“People are getting raped, murdered, carjacked and assaulted. A vote for this bill today gives the citizens of Louisiana the right to defend themselves.”

The legislation was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez. He noted that if signed, the law would take effect on Independence Day, a fitting tribute to the freedoms our nation holds dear.

Miguez expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, saying,
“Thank you to the LA House of Representatives for passing #SB1 (Constitutional Carry) without amendments. It will now head to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk for signature with an effective date of July 4th this year, in honor of the our nation’s Independence Day.”

The bill’s passage comes after Governor Landry urged the state legislature to pass stricter punishments for crime and a constitutional carry bill in a special session.

Landry argued, “While criminals carry guns without regard for the law, lawful gun owners are our most law-abiding citizens. Their armed presence helps deter violent crime. It is time Louisiana join 27 other states who have created a constitutional right to carry a firearm without the government’s permission. This body has repeatedly passed it. Now you have a governor who will sign it.”

A similar constitutional carry bill was vetoed in June 2021 by then-Governor John Bel Edwards (D-LA), despite overwhelming support from both the state House and Senate.

However, the governor’s office changed hands earlier this year when Landry won over 50% of the vote in Louisiana’s “jungle primary” in October 2023. As Landry won more than half of the vote, the race did not proceed to the general election.

Landry’s campaign focused on controlling crime and improving the economy and public school system. He criticized “woke” district attorneys for their lenient stance on crime, promising that under his governance, Louisiana would “hold everyone, and I mean everyone, accountable for violent crime.”

Why It Matters (op-ed)

The passage of SB 1 marks a victory for law-abiding citizens in Louisiana. No longer will they be at the mercy of criminals who disregard gun laws. Instead, they’ll have the means to protect themselves and their families.

As Governor Landry aptly put it, the presence of armed, law-abiding citizens deters violent crime. This bill’s passage sends a clear message that Louisiana is serious about crime control and upholding the constitutional rights of its residents.

The proposed law’s Independence Day enactment further highlights its significance as a tribute to the freedoms our nation cherishes. It’s time for Louisiana to join the 27 other states that have embraced constitutional carry, and Governor Landry’s signature will ensure that happens.

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