Yesterday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 1 into law, which allows eligible residents aged 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This makes Louisiana the 28th State to pass permitless carry, also known as “Constitutional Carry”.
Today, we join 27 other states in passing Constitutional Carry. I promised the folks of Louisiana that I would champion Constitutional Carry into law, and within two months, I have honored that commitment,” Governor Landry remarked, in an interview with Fox News Digital, adding, “It’s fundamentally clear — law-abiding citizens should never have to seek government permission to safeguard themselves and their families. Today, we have secured an incredible victory for liberty in Louisiana. I want to thank Louisiana’s NRA members for their great work.
The new law will go into effect on July 4, 2024.
On February 28, The Louisiana House of Representatives voted 75-28 to pass Senate Bill 1, the NRA-backed Constitutional Carry legislation that passed the State Senate the previous week.
Louisiana previously limited the ability to own handguns to those 21 years of age and older.
The new law applies to any person 18 years of age and older who is not otherwise prohibited from owning firearms under Louisiana law.
The new bill was signed during a Tuesday session wherein Governor Landry passed a number of bills during a special session on crime.
Additional measures passed included:
SB 9: Preserving Prosecutions for Rape
HB 3: Expanding Access to Drug Courts
HB 6: Justice for Victims
HB 9: Probation and Parole Violations
HB 10: Truth in Sentencing
HB 11: Offender Rehabilitation
SB 1: Constitutional Carry
SB 2: Concealed Carry Permit Immunity
SB 7: DUI Penalties
HB 4: Post Conviction Reform
SB 5: Pardon and Parole Reform
“Today, we made good on our promise to deliver sweeping reforms to our criminal justice system. Reforms that put the interests of victims before the interests of criminals. Reforms that uplift and support our police officers. Reforms that deliver true justice to the victims of crime. Reforms that make our streets and communities safer for all. I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I am thankful to the victims of crime, the legislature, and all those involved in this special session. This is just the beginning of our work for a safer Louisiana,” said Governor Landry in a statement on the website of the office of the Governor.
