The Louisiana House of Representatives took decisive action on several firearm-related bills Thursday, defeating a measure that would have mandated specific firearm storage practices while approving two bills aimed at expanding gun rights. The two pro-gun bills now head to the State Senate for further consideration.
The chamber rejected HB 220, which sought to create the crime of “improper storage of a firearm.” The bill, which failed on a 39-46 vote, proposed a uniform mandate on how firearms should be stored.
Opponents, including the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), argued that while safe gun storage is advocated, government mandates without regard for individual circumstances are not the appropriate solution.
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Conversely, the House passed two pieces of pro-gun legislation.
HB 393, authored by Representative Dennis Bamburg, passed by a significant 73-16 margin. This bill clarifies existing law to explicitly recognize the right of a bystander or spectator to carry a concealed handgun at a parade or demonstration.
HB 407, sponsored by Representative Lauren Ventrella, also gained House approval. The measure, which allows non-residents to apply for and obtain a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit, passed with a 71-16 vote.
The Senate will now take up both HB 393 and HB 407 for additional policy committee hearings.
These two bills join another pro-gun measure, HB 289, already in the Senate and eligible for a committee hearing. Authored by Representative Dewith Carrier, HB 289 is a pro-Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) bill. It aims to further protect the firearm and ammunition industry from being held liable for the criminal misuse of their legally manufactured and sold products by third parties. HB 289 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary C Committee and could receive a hearing as early as next week.
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In other legislative activity, SB 101, a pro-gun bill authored by Senator Blake Miguez, is poised for a House floor vote next week.
This bill seeks to eliminate some gun-free zones, allowing individuals legally carrying under constitutional carry provisions or with out-of-state concealed carry permits recognized by Louisiana to carry in more locations across the state.
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