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)]
HB 596 Original 2021 Regular Session Fontenot
Abstract: Exempts certain persons from the crime of illegal carrying of weapons and replaces the
requirement that a person possess a permit issued by the state of La. in order to carry a
concealed handgun in the state of La. with the requirement that a person complete a 60
minute online concealed handgun education course.
Present law (R.S. 14:95) prohibits the carrying of a concealed firearm, provides for criminal
penalties, and provides for certain exceptions to the offense.
Proposed law creates an exception to this prohibition for a person who is 21 years of age or older and
who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under any federal or state law.
Present law (R.S. 40:1379.3) provides that La. residents who meet certain eligibility requirements
may apply for and be issued a concealed handgun permit authorizing the person to carry a concealed
handgun on his person in the state of La.
Present law requires the person to possess a valid concealed handgun permit issued by the state of
La. in order to carry a concealed handgun in the state of La.
Proposed law changes present law from requiring that a person possess a permit issued by the state
of La. in order to carry a concealed handgun in the state of La. to requiring that a person complete
a 60 minute online concealed handgun education course at no cost to La. residents created by state
police.
Proposed law requires the 60 minute online concealed handgun course to include the following
topics:
(1)Concealed handgun basics and nomenclature.
(2) Firearm free zones.
(3)Use of deadly force.
(4) Interactions with law enforcement officers.
(Amends R.S. 40:1379.3(B)(2); Adds R.S. 14:95(M) and R.S. 40:1379.3.3)