House Bill No. 131 proposes amendments to Louisiana's laws regarding the concealed carrying of firearms. The bill allows individuals who are 18 years of age or older and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit. This change broadens the eligibility for carrying concealed weapons by removing the previous requirement that only Louisiana residents could benefit from this exemption. Additionally, the bill introduces new restrictions for those carrying weapons under this provision and repeals a previous clause related to illegal carrying of weapons.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the online handgun education course provided by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, increasing its duration from two hours to two hours and fifteen minutes. The course content is also updated to include new topics such as suicide prevention, particularly focusing on firearm-related suicides among veterans and active service members. The number of video segments for the course is increased from eight to nine, ensuring that each segment lasts at least fifteen minutes. Overall, the bill aims to enhance firearm education while expanding the rights of individuals to carry concealed handguns in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB131 Original: 14:95(M)(1), 40:3(B)
HB131 Engrossed: 14:95(M)(1), 40:3(B)(2), 40:3(B), 14:95(M)(3)
HB131 Reengrossed: 14:95(M)(1), 40:3(B)(2), 40:3(B), 14:95(M)(3)