La. lawmakers send SB 1 to Gov. Landry

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Law-abiding citizens will be able to carry concealed handguns without needing a permit if Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs a bill that’s headed to his desk.

Senate Bill 1 was approved by the Legislature, but not without drawing some opposition, both inside and outside the legislative chambers.

“It increases the risk of fatality when it’s not intended,” one Northwest Louisiana man said.

Another Northwest Louisiana resident said the right to bear arms is a part of his constitutional rights. “It’s the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms to protect ourselves and possessions, our families.”

After passing through both legislative chambers, the no-permit concealed carry law could become the new norm for those who are 18 or older in Louisiana. Landry is expected to sign off on SB 1.

“We’ve always had open carry in Louisiana,” said state Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City. “And this allows people to conceal carry without that government permission. So that’s really important to people to be able to self-protect themselves from criminals.”

State Rep. Tammy Phelps, D-Shreveport, is concerned about more guns being out on the streets.

“We know that those that do not abide by the law are already carrying these weapons without permission. So there was a great concern with putting more guns on the street in that same manner.”

McCormick believes permitless concealed carry will help decrease crime. “In Louisiana, guns are a problem today. Guns aren’t a problem in the hands of law-abiding citizens.”

Without a permit, Phelps asked, how can one determine who’s obeying the law? “You can distinguish a law-abiding citizen as one who has a license and someone who doesn’t. That’s why it’s been this way for so long.”

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