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 446 Original 2023 Regular Session Miguez
Abstract: Provides for additional topics to be covered in the online handgun education course that
is provided to La. residents.
Present 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 retains present law.
Present law provides for the length of the online course to be two hours.
Proposed law amends present law to change the length of the online course from two hours to two
hours and 15 minutes.
Present 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 retains present law, but amends the topic of "handgun basics and nomenclature" to
include handling procedures for a revolver and a semiautomatic pistol.
Proposed law further combines the topic of "safe storage of firearms" with the topic of "accident
prevention". Proposed law further adds the topic of "suicide prevention, with an emphasis on the impact of
firearm-related suicides involving veterans and current service members of the U.S. Armed Forces"
to the course.
Present law provides that the DPS&C, office of state police, shall divide the topics provided in
present law into eight video segments that shall broadcast for no less than 15 minutes per segment.
Proposed law amends present law to change the number of video segments from eight to nine, but
still provides that the video segments that shall broadcast for no less than 15 minutes per segment.
(Amends R.S. 40:1379.3.3(B), (D)(1) and (6), and (F)(2); Adds R.S. 40:1379.3.3(D)(9))