Louisiana bill to restrict concealed guns near parade routes fails; debate continues over THC products

BATON ROUGE, La. (WVUE) – A bill to create a 100-foot buffer zone around parade routes and demonstrations for concealed gun carriers without permits failed to pass in the State House.

The proposed legislation by State Rep. Mandie Landry aimed to establish this zone to enhance public safety during permitted events, as Louisiana’s new permitless carry laws are set to activate in less than two months.

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New Orleans law enforcement and other critics of the new permitless carry laws had expressed concerns about the laws’ ambiguity regarding parade routes, fearing it could restrict their ability to detain individuals suspected of carrying weapons illegally.

Opponents of the bill argued that existing laws, such as those against negligent carry and negligent discharge at parade routes, were sufficient.

Another bill is progressing through the state legislature that would prohibit consumable hemp products from containing any THC.

This bill has passed the State Senate and is now under review in a House committee. The legislation emerges as Louisiana experiences significant tax revenue increases from the burgeoning consumable THC industry, which includes products like gummies and seltzers.

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According to the Louisiana Hemp Association, tax revenue from this sector escalated from $64,000 in 2020 to approximately $4.1 million last year.

In 2022, state lawmakers passed a measure allowing THC-infused products to contain up to eight milligrams of THC per serving. However, supporters of the current bill are concerned about selling these products in non-specialized venues like gas stations and convenience stores and the potential risks posed by products with multiple servings.

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