By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
The Shreveport Times is reporting that as the Louisiana Legislature gathers in Baton Rouge for a special three-week session to address the state’s crime problem, lawmakers may also “expand” concealed carry rights.
At least two pieces of legislation point in that direction.
Senate Bill 1 is a bill that would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed handguns without a permit.
House Bill 12 follows the same pattern, making it easier for citizens to carry defensive firearms.
As to the House measure, Rep. Danny McCormick (R-Oil City) is quoted by the Shreveport Times stating, “I want my four granddaughters to be able to put a pistol in their purses to protect them from murders and rapists. I feel confident with this governor and Legislature we will see a (concealed carry) bill passed.”
Likewise, Sen. Blake Miguez told the USA Today network, “Government is not here to place barriers to our constitutional rights. Criminals already carry concealed handguns without government permission.”
Cracking down on crime was also the topic of an NPR report.
When he ran for governor last year, Jeff Landry—then the Louisiana attorney general—told Breitbart News that he would sign sol-called “constitutional carry” legislation. Now that he is the governor, Landry appears poised to do exactly that.
The session will also consider several pieces of legislation aimed at criminals. But the media focus appears to be on the likelihood Louisiana could become the 28th state to adopt permitless carry, which raises the hackles of the gun prohibition lobby. Louisiana is already an open carry state.
According to the Shreveport newspaper, when such legislation came up last year, Moms Demand Action testified against it. Also, the Louisiana Chiefs of Police also opposed the measure.
But in a speech to the Legislature, Gov. Landry stated, “It is time Louisiana join 27 other states who have created a constitutional right to carry a firearm without the government’s permission. This body has repeatedly passed it. Now you have a governor who will sign it.
“Our proposal does not terminate the concealed permitting process,” Landry continued. “Many citizens travel to other states with their firearms and their permit will satisfy any reciprocity demands.”
