Saturday, June 26, 2021

LA Governor Vetoes Concealed Carry Gun Bill


Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) has Vetoed a Bill to allow People to Carry Concealed Handguns, in Louisiana, without a Permit or Training, which could fuel a Growing Movement for a Veto-Override Session from the Republican-Controlled Legislature.

Senate Bill 118 by Sen. Jay Morris (R-35th District, Monroe) would have allowed Anyone 21 and Older to Carry a Concealed Firearm without a Permit and Training.

Though the Bill won overwhelming Support in the Legislature, Edwards, the only Democratic Governor in the Deep South, has said he believes Current Law "strikes the right balance."

“I certainly can’t say it’s a surprise; the governor has been clear all along," Morris said Friday. "But I’m still disappointed. This bill is for law-abiding and freedom-loving citizens. The people of Louisiana want it and hopefully we will join our neighbors, like Texas and Mississippi, and pass constitutional carry with or without the Governor’s signature."

Supporters of the Concept call it "constitutional carry" because they believe it should be covered already under the Second Amendment guaranteeing the Right to bear Arms.

They believe the current Louisiana Law requiring Training and Permits to carry a Concealed Firearm infringe on their Constitutional Rights.

Permits would have still been available for those who seek them for advantages such as Traveling to other States that Recognize Louisiana's Permit under Morris' Bill.

"We shouldn't need the government's permission to defend ourselves," testified Chris Patron with Firearm Professionals of Louisiana during a Committee Hearing on the Bill.

Opponents, like those Representing the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, warned allowing Concealed Carry without Permits elevates the potential of Illegal Gun Violence and Accidental Shootings.

"Think about Bourbon Street ... with 21-year-olds all packing underneath their clothes," said Fabian Blache, Executive Director of the Police Chiefs Association, during Debate on the Bill. "If anybody can (conceal carry) they're going to be popping off in a heartbeat. Those kids who'll be able to put one under their clothing ... I think it's going to create more shootings."

Louisiana already allows People to carry Visible Firearms without a Permit.

Until now, Edwards has generally been a Reliable Vote for most Gun expansion Bills both when he served in the House and during his Two Terms as Governor.

Edwards has pointed to a Poll from A Stronger Louisiana, a Group that Supports the Governor's Agenda, that shows 80% of People surveyed want to keep the current Permit Requirement in place.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (R-81st District, Gonzales) said earlier this week, he Supports a Veto Override Session after Edwards Vetoed a Bill that would Ban Transgender Athletes from Competing in Girls' and Women's Sports.

If Lawmakers did return to the Capitol for a Veto- Override Session, it would be the First since the New Louisiana Constitutional was adopted in 1974.

The Veto-Override Session would take place July 20th-24th.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker


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