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 37 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session McCormick
Abstract: Exempts certain persons from the crime of illegal carrying of weapons, removes the
requirement that a person possess a permit issued by the state in order to carry a concealed
handgun, and provides for an online 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. Present law requires the person to possess a valid concealed
handgun permit issued by the state in order to carry a concealed handgun.
Proposed law removes the requirement that a person possess a permit issued by the state in order to
carry a concealed handgun.
Proposed law (R.S. 40:1379.3.3) shall be known and cited as the "Louisiana Firearm Safety
Awareness Act".
Proposed law provides that the DPS&C, office of state police, shall provide a two-hour online
handgun education course at no cost to La. residents.
Proposed law provides for the purpose of the online education course, and provides that the course
is optional and shall not be a requirement for obtaining a concealed handgun permit under present
law (R.S. 40:1379.3).
Proposed law provides that completion of the online education course shall not grant any person the
right to carry a concealed handgun unless otherwise provided by law.
Proposed law provides that the online handgun education course shall cover all of the following
topics:
(1)Handgun basics and nomenclature. (2)Firearm-free zones.
(3)Use of deadly force.
(4)Interactions with law enforcement officers.
(5)Conflict resolution.
(6)Accident prevention.
(7)Unauthorized access prevention.
(8)Safe handling of a handgun.
Proposed law provides that state police shall maintain an online database of all licensed handgun and
firearm instructors to allow the public to search for classes.
Proposed law provides that the content, structure, accessibility, and all other related matters of the
online handgun education shall be developed and promulgated by the DPS&C, office of state police,
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Administrative Procedure Act.
Proposed law provides that the DPS&C, office of state police, shall divide the topics provided in
proposed law into eight video segments that shall broadcast for no less than 15 minutes per segment.
(Amends R.S. 40:1379.3(B); 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. Increase the minimum age a person must be to legally carry a weapon from 18 years of
age to 21 years of age.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Add language that provides for the implementation and development of an optional
online handgun education course.