HLS 14RS-879 REENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 272
BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED WILLIAMS
WEAPONS/FIREARMS: Provides relative to firearms buyback programs for parishes and
municipalities
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 33:4879(B) and (C), relative to firearms; to authorize parishes2
and municipalities to institute a firearms buyback program; to provide relative to the3
procedures governing the implementation of the program and the funding of the4
program; and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 33:4879(B) and (C) are hereby amended and reenacted to read as7
follows:8
ยง4879. Purpose; firearms buyback program; authorization ; city of New Orleans9
* * *10
B. The city of New Orleans Any municipality or parish may institute a11
firearms buyback program. Funding for the buyback program shall be acquired from12
cash donations from private businesses and may be acquired from include funds from13
the city's assets, seizures, and forfeiture forfeitures fund of any participating law14
enforcement agency within the jurisdiction of the municipality or parish if the city15
possesses such a fund. and no other public funds shall be used to implement the16
program. The firearms buyback program shall exist for not more than a thirty-day17
period in any calendar year or shall exist until the funds acquired or received for the18
purchase of the firearms are exhausted.19
C. The city municipality or parish shall promulgate rules of procedure20
governing the acquisition and disposal of firearms purchased through the program.21 HLS 14RS-879 REENGROSSED
HB NO. 272
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Such weapons shall either be destroyed or delivered to law enforcement agencies of1
the city municipality or parish for departmental use. Departmental use may include2
the sale of the firearms at a public auction. The proceeds of the sales shall be used3
to defray the costs of administering the auction and any surplus shall be deposited4
into the training fund of the law enforcement agency conducting the sale, or may be5
used by that agency to purchase law enforcement equipment. Any firearm sales6
authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall comply with all state and7
federal firearms laws. In no case shall such weapon be given to any individual,8
except that a stolen weapon shall be returned to its rightful owner on proof of9
ownership.10
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)]
Alfred Williams HB No. 272
Abstract: Authorizes all parishes and municipalities in the state to institute a firearms
buyback program and provides for the procedures and funding of such programs.
Present law authorizes the city of New Orleans to institute a firearms buyback program,
whereby citizens may safely dispose of firearms they no longer desire to own. Present law
authorizes the city of New Orleans to acquire funding for the program to buyback firearms
from private businesses and to use funds from the city's assets, seizures, and forfeitures fund.
Present law authorizes the program to exist for not more than a 30-day period in a calendar
year or until the funds acquired or received for the purchase of the firearms are depleted.
Proposed law authorizes all parishes and municipalities to institute a firearms buyback
program. Further provides that no public funds other than donations and funds from the
city's assets, seizures, and forfeitures fund may be used to implement the program.
Present law requires the city of New Orleans to develop and implement rules of procedure
governing the acquisition and disposal of firearms acquired through the program. Provides
that all acquired firearms must be either destroyed or delivered to law enforcement agencies
for departmental use. Prohibits any acquired firearms from being given to any individual,
except a stolen weapon being returned to its rightful owner.
Proposed law retains present law and makes the provisions applicable to all parishes and
municipalities that implement a program. Further provides that departmental use of acquired
firearms includes the sale of firearms at a public auction. Limits the use of the proceeds of
such sales to defraying the cost of the auction, training, and purchase of law enforcement
equipment.
(Amends R.S. 33:4879(B) and (C)) HLS 14RS-879 REENGROSSED
HB NO. 272
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill.
1. Provides that no public funds other than donations and funds from the city's
assets, seizures, and forfeitures fund may be used to implement the program.
2. Adds provisions that departmental use of acquired firearms includes the sale of
firearms at a public auction and with respect to the use of the proceeds of such
sales.