GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 596 2021 Regular Session Fontenot
WEAPONS/HANDGUNS: Provides relative to the concealed carrying of firearms
DIGEST
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 La. resident 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 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 resident 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 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 a resident 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 La.
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 resident 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 residents 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)
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Prepared by Alan Miller. 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.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the
reengrossed bill
1. Changes references from "person" to "resident".
2. Changes the blood alcohol reading in which it is unlawful for a resident to
possess a concealed weapon from proposed law .08 to present law .05 percent.
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Prepared by Alan Miller.