This bill amends existing laws regarding the illegal carrying of weapons in Louisiana, specifically allowing law-abiding individuals who are eighteen years of age or older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. The bill modifies R.S. 14:95(M) by removing the previous requirement that only Louisiana residents could carry concealed weapons and eliminates the age requirement of twenty-one, lowering it to eighteen. Additionally, it introduces new language in R.S. 14:95(N) that subjects individuals carrying handguns under this provision to certain restrictions outlined in R.S. 40:1379.3.

Furthermore, the bill revises R.S. 40:1379.3 to clarify that individuals who meet the qualifications of R.S. 14:95(M) are not required to possess a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun in Louisiana. It also emphasizes that concealed handguns cannot be carried into areas where firearms are prohibited by law and allows property owners to restrict access to individuals carrying concealed handguns. The bill is set to take effect on July 4, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB1 Original: 14:95(M), 40:3(B)(2)
SB1 Engrossed: 14:95(M), 40:3(B)(2)
SB1 Reengrossed: 14:95(M), 40:3(B)(2)
SB1 Enrolled: 14:95(M), 40:3(B)(2)
SB1 Act 1: 14:95(M), 40:3(B)(2)