La.’s new permitless concealed carry law goes into effect July 4

The new permitless concealed carry law goes into effect on the Fourth of July, but some gun owners have concerns.
Published: Jun. 30, 2024 at 10:00 PM CDT|Updated: Jul. 4, 2024 at 10:18 AM CDT

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Louisiana’s new permitless concealed carry law goes into effect on July 4, but some gun owners have concerns.

The new law allows anyone over 18 and not convicted of a felony can conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training.

Gun owner Austin Johnson worries there will be a lack of education.

“You really don’t have to have any training or education for it, which it’s kind of a problem honestly,” said Johnson. He’s worried this could lead to irresponsible behavior.

State lawmakers earlier this year passed legislation to make Louisiana one of the latest states to do away with a permit requirement for carrying a concealed handgun. Past efforts to do so were vetoed by former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. But the new Republican governor, Jeff Landry, supported and signed the new law.

Twenty-eight other states have similar laws, according to the National Council of State Legislatures.

“Definitely mixed feelings, I like to protect myself, protect my loved ones, but at the same time you know you are going to have people who will want to conceal carry, but they’re not going to be educated,” added Johnson.

On Facebook, a user shared her opinions saying “Ridiculous. If you need a license to drive then you should need a permit to carry a gun. Doesn’t make me feel safe to have guns in the hands of people who may have problems.”

But people like Johnson are not completely against the idea, they just hope that people who choose concealed carry, also choose to do so responsibly.

“Just with the crime. You need something to protect yourself with nowadays,” explained Johnson, “If you do decide to carry, you should at least sign up for some kind of class.”

Another Facebook user backed up this idea, saying “I think it’s great, but I also believe people who will carry should take the class for educational purposes. It’s very helpful.”

Despite the law, guns will still not be allowed in prohibited areas.

More information on gun education classes can be found on the Louisiana State Police website.

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