House Bill No. 407, introduced by Representative Ventrella, amends existing laws regarding concealed handgun permits in Louisiana. The bill modifies the language in several sections of R.S. 40:1379.3, changing references from "Louisiana resident" to "person," thereby broadening the eligibility for obtaining a concealed handgun permit. This change applies to the issuance of permits, the qualifications required to obtain them, and the provisions for lifetime permits. Additionally, the bill repeals certain requirements that mandated applicants to be Louisiana residents, specifically R.S. 40:1379.3(C)(3) and (V)(6), which previously outlined residency requirements and conditions for lifetime permit holders who move out of state.

The bill retains the core eligibility criteria for obtaining a concealed handgun permit, including restrictions related to felony convictions and mental health adjudications. It specifies that individuals who have had certain felony convictions expunged may still qualify for a permit after a specified period. The proposed changes aim to streamline the process and expand access to concealed carry permits in Louisiana, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive definition of who may apply for such permits.

Statutes affected:
HB407 Original: 40:3(A)(1), 40:3(C)(3)
HB407 Engrossed: 40:3(A)(1), 40:3(C)(3)