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)) 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.