Update on Firearms Related Legislation for 2021

As of April 28, 2021, the most up-to-date information on the firearms related legislation proposed in 2021 is summarized below.

• SB118 Sen. John “Jay” Morris (R)- [Supported by LSA] Provides relative to the concealed carrying of firearms by extending the prohibition from carrying and concealing a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance to non-permitted but otherwise legal carriers and extends the notification requirement to police officers to non-permitted but otherwise legal carriers
  • Reported Favorably by the Senate Committee on Judiciary C
  • Passed by the Full Senate on a vote of 26 Yeas to 11 Nays; ordered re-engrossed and sent to the House.

• SB115 Sen. Barrow Peacock (R)- [LSA has No Postition] Prohibits possession of firearms, ammunition, or electric weapons or devices by certain felons
  • Reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Judiciary C

• HB48 Rep. Blake Miguez (R)- [Supported by LSA] Provides relative to the requirements for concealed handgun permit safety and training course applicants and instructors
  • Reported Favorably by the House Administration of Criminal Justice with no opposition

• HB596 Rep. Bryan Fontenot (R)- [Supported by LSA] Provides relative to the concealed carrying of firearms; not “true” Constitutional Carry as currently written, it is an advancement for the right to keep and bear arms (i.e., it’s not what we want, but its better than what we have). The LSA would like to see this bill amended.
  • Reported Favorably by the House Administration of Criminal Justice on a vote of 8 Yeas to 4 Nays

• HB118 Rep. Larry Frieman (R)- [Supported by LSA] Firearms Protection Act making Louisiana a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary State, to prevent federal regulation from infringing on a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms.
  • Reported Favorably by the House Administration of Criminal Justice on a vote of 8 Yeas to 4 Nays

• HB16 Rep. Danny McCormick (R)- [Supported by LSA] Constitutional Carry,  legalizes Concealed Carry for the same law-abiding citizens who can legally Open Carry in Louisiana. The Concealed Handgun License will remain in tact as an option for those who wish to seek reciprocity in other states.
  • Involuntarily deferred by the House Administration of Criminal Justice on a vote of 4 Yeas to 8 Nays

• HB353 Rep. Mandie Landry (D) [Opposed by LSA] Prohibits the private transfer of firearms between lawful individuals without first obtaining a background check
  • Voluntarily deferred by the Author

• HB124 Rep. Paul Hollis (R)- [Supported by LSA] Provides an exception to certain offenses of illegal carrying of weapons for persons with a concealed handgun permit
  • Reported Favorably by the House Administration of Criminal Justice with no opposition

The following bills have not been considered as of this date.

• HB52 Rep. Debbie Villio (R)- [LSA has No Position] (Constitutional Amendment) Adds aggravated battery committed with a firearm to the list of crimes for which special juvenile procedures are not required
  • Withdrawn prior to introduction

• HB326 Rep. Tammy Phelps (D) [Opposed by LSA] Removes the requirement that the handgun be possessed on the offender’s person in order for illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile to apply
  • Referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice

• HB597 Rep. Blake Miguez (R)- [Supported by LSA] Provides relative to prohibition on certain governmental entity contracts with companies that discriminate against firearm and ammunition industries
  • Referred to the Committee on Appropriations