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 Reengrossed 2021 Regular Session Fontenot
Abstract: Exempts certain persons from the crime of illegal carrying of weapons, removes the
requirement that a La. resident possess a permit issued by the state of La. in order to carry
a concealed handgun in the state of La., requires state police to provide a 60- minute course
at no cost to La. residents, requires state police to maintain and make available to the public
a database of all licensed firearm and handgun instructors.
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 removes present law requirement that a resident of La. possess a permit issued by the
state of La. in order to carry a concealed handgun in the state of La.
Proposed law provides that an individual who meets the qualifications of R.S. 14:95(M) shall not
be required to possess a valid concealed handgun permit issued by the state of Louisiana.
Proposed law specifies that proposed law shall not affect present law reciprocity requirements.
Present law provides that no individual with a concealed handgun permit may carry and conceal
while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance.
Present law further provides that a person with a concealed handgun permit shall notify the officer,
when approached in an official manner or with an identified official purpose, that he has a weapon
on his person, submit to a pat down, and allow the officer to temporarily disarm him.
Proposed law retains present law and includes individuals carrying a concealed handgun pursuant
to proposed law. Proposed law requires state police to provide a 60-minute online concealed handgun education
course at no cost to Louisiana residents 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.
Proposed law further requires state police to maintain a database of all licensed handgun and firearm
instructors to be made available to the public.
(Amends R.S. 40:1379.3(B)(2) and (I)(1) and (2); Adds R.S. 14:95(M) and R.S. 40:1379.3.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes to the citations.
2. Expand the list of provisions that prohibit a person from possessing a firearm.
3. Specify that a La. resident who meets proposed law qualifications shall not be required
to possess a permit and further specify that proposed law provisions shall not affect
present law reciprocity requirements.
4. Specify that no individual carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to proposed law may
carry while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance.
5. Specify that a person carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to proposed law shall notify
the police officer that he has a weapon on his person, shall submit to a pat down, and
shall allow the officer to temporarily disarm him.
6. Require state police to provide a 60-minute online concealed handgun education course.
7. Require state police to maintain a database of all licensed handgun and firearm
instructors to be made available to the public.