Louisiana’s State Legislature mulls over 4th Constitutional Carry Bill since 2020.

The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a “Constitutional Carry” bill, allowing anyone 18 and older who can legally own a firearm to carry a gun concealed. The bill, sponsored by Republican State Rep. Danny McCormick, was passed with a vote of 70 to 29 and will now move to the Senate.

Wait-and-See Attitude

While the bill has been welcomed by many, Louisiana Shooting Association (LSA) president Dan Zelenska is taking a cautious approach. “Time is its biggest enemy,” he told The Epoch Times.

Restoring the Second Amendment

McCormick introduced the bill on the House Floor, stating that it “restores the Second Amendment in Louisiana.” He has been pushing for the legislation since 2020, believing that asking the government’s permission to exercise a constitutional right is insulting. “There is nothing more unjust than making a citizen pay for a right they already have,” he said.

Debate Over Age Restrictions

Republican Rep. Debbie Villio offered an amendment to raise the age to carry from 18 to 21, citing concerns over the maturity of 18-year-olds. However, the bill passed without Villio’s amendment. McCormick argued that selectively denying law-abiding 18-year-olds their rights would not solve the crime problem, pointing out that they can vote, serve in the military, and are even prosecuted as adults when charged with serious crimes.

Eliminating Confusion

Villio also offered an amendment that placed the same restrictions on where a firearm could be carried on those carrying without a permit as those with a concealed carry license, to eliminate confusion between the two groups.

What’s Next?

The bill will now move to the Senate, where it will face further debate and scrutiny. For now, gun owners in Louisiana are one step closer to being able to exercise their Second Amendment rights without government interference.