DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] Thompson HB No. 98 Abstract: Provides for the issuance of concealed handgun permits by the sheriff and authorizes reciprocity agreements between contiguous parishes. Present law authorizes a sheriff to issue a concealed handgun permit which is valid within the boundaries of a parish. Proposed law retains this provision of present law. Proposed law authorizes a sheriff to enter into a reciprocity agreement with a sheriff of a contiguous parish to issue concealed handgun permits which are valid in both participating parishes. Further establishes qualifications and criteria for the issuance of such concealed handgun permits. Proposed law provides that any information in any application for a concealed handgun permit or any information provided in connection with the application submitted to the sheriff's office shall be held confidential and shall not be subject to any public records request nor shall the information be considered as a public record. Further provides that the sheriff shall not be required to release any list of persons who applied for or received a permit for a concealed handgun. Proposed law provides that absent a valid court order requiring the release of information, it shall be unlawful for any employee of the sheriff's office to intentionally disseminate for publication any information contained in an application for a concealed handgun permit or any information regarding the identity of any person who applied for or received a concealed handgun permit. Proposed law provides penalties for violations of a fine of not more than $500 imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Proposed law further provides penalties for a person (other than a sheriff's employee) who releases or disseminates the information contained in a concealed handgun application or permit including a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. Proposed law provides that the sheriff may assess a reasonable processing fee for the issuance of a concealed handgun permit. Provides that proposed law shall not be construed to invalidate any concealed handgun permit issued by the sheriff prior to Aug. 1, 2013. (Adds R.S. 40:1379.1.1; Repeals R.S. 40:1379.1(G))