Louisiana Gunowners Now Able to Conceal Weapons without a Permit

BASTROP, La. (KTVE / KARD)– Louisiana’s new law that would allow carrying a concealed handgun without a permit is set to go into effect tomorrow. NBC 10’s Joel Massey has more on what that means for gun owners.

State Republicans have advocated for years about permit-less concealed carry and in Governor Jeff Landry’s special session on crime, the GOP passed the bill, then Landry signed it into law.

Louisiana becomes the 28th state allowing people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit but only a one of a handful of states where the law applies to those as young as 18.

Hunter Simmons with Simmons Sporting Goods explains why the new measure is termed constitutional carry.

“With the prior concealed carry you had to pay $200 every so often so we feel like that was not necessary and that’s kind of what that means is we should not have to pay to use our constitutional right.”

Hunter Simmons, Simmons Sporting Goods, Bastrop, La.

Now people no longer have to have fingerprints taken or complete a firearm training course which were previously required. Simmons says it’s still a good idea to be properly trained.

“I think anybody that picks up a gun needs to have concealed firearm training. Those classes are still really great benefits and I think everyone should go through some level of training to make sure they are safe.”

While it’s now legal to conceal carry in Louisiana people should remember that when traveling to other states their laws still apply.

Simmons says it’s ultimately about protecting yourself and those that you love.

“Criminals are not going to follow the laws anyway, so this allows law abiding citizens to have the right to protect themselves without breaking the law and protect themselves from those who are going to break the law anyway.”

Those who legally own a gun would still be restricted from carrying in certain places such as schools, churches, police stations courthouses and the capitol.