This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding concealed handgun permits and introduces new provisions related to firearm safety education. Key changes include the removal of specific language regarding the presumption of habitual alcohol use based on prior convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Instead, the bill establishes that an applicant may be presumed to chronically use alcohol if they have been admitted for treatment as an alcoholic within the past five years. Additionally, it specifies that a concealed handgun permit cannot be suspended or revoked solely based on an arrest for a violation of R.S. 14:98.1.

The bill also enhances the Louisiana Firearm Safety Awareness Act by extending the duration of the online handgun education course from two hours to two hours and fifteen minutes, while ensuring it remains free for residents. The course will now cover additional topics, including handling procedures for both revolvers and semiautomatic pistols, safe storage of firearms, and suicide prevention, particularly focusing on firearm-related suicides among veterans and active service members. Furthermore, the number of video segments in the course will increase from eight to nine, with each segment lasting no less than fifteen minutes.

Statutes affected:
HB446 Original: 40:3(B)
HB446 Engrossed: 40:3(B)
HB446 Enrolled: 40:3(C)(8), 40:3(B)
HB446 Act 295: 40:3(C)(8), 40:3(B)