Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has officially signed Senate Bill 1, granting any law-abiding citizen aged 18 or older the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
State Representative Danny McCormick clarified that the bill only applies to law-abiding citizens and does not extend to criminals. Notably, Louisiana has historically been an open carry state, but the new legislation has drawn attention due to the age requirement.
State Representative Tammy Phelps expressed concerns about the readiness of 18-year-olds to handle firearms responsibly, emphasizing the need for extensive training to effectively respond to potential threats.
Despite concerns about increasing gun violence, McCormick argued that 18-year-olds have the right to protect themselves from various threats in their communities.
However, Phelps cautioned young individuals about the responsible use of firearms, highlighting that just because they have the legal right to carry doesn’t mean they should.
When contacted by KSLA, the Shreveport Police Department indicated that the new law would not significantly alter their policing practices. Officers are already aware that citizens may be armed, legally or illegally, during interactions.
The new law is set to take effect on July 4, according to state officials.