GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 37 2022 Regular Session McCormick
WEAPONS/HANDGUNS: Provides relative to the concealed carrying of firearms
DIGEST
Proposed law authorizes school districts within the state to designate one or more elementary
or secondary school teachers or administrators or retired school teachers or administrators
as a school protection officer.
Proposed law provides that the responsibility as a school protection officer is voluntary and
will be in addition to the person's normal job duties.
Proposed law provides that once designated, school protection officers shall be authorized
to carry a concealed firearm in any school in the district.
Proposed law requires school protection officers to maintain personal control of the firearm
while that firearm is on school property and provides that failure to do so will subject the
school protection officer to discipline.
Proposed law requires that the request to be a school protection officer must include proof
that the person has a valid concealed carry permit and a certificate showing completion of
the minimum P.O.S.T. training required to be a peace officer.
Proposed law requires school districts to notify the superintendent of state police of every
school protection officer designated and further requires state police to maintain a list of all
school protection officers that shall be made available to all law enforcement agencies.
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.
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Prepared by Leonore Heavey. (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.
(Adds R.S. 14:95(A)(5)(b)(iv), R.S. 17:416.16.1, 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.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs
to the reengrossed bill
1. Remove provisions that exempt certain persons from the crime of illegal carrying
of weapons.
2. Remove provisions that eliminated the requirement that a person possess a permit
issued by the state in order to carry a concealed handgun.
3. Authorize school districts to designate certain active and retired teachers and
school administrators as school protection officers.
4. Require individuals designated as school protection officers be P.O.S.T. certified
and obtain a concealed carry permit.
5. Require the superintendent of state police to maintain a record of all persons
designated as school protection officers.
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Prepared by Leonore Heavey.