Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who usually supports gun rights, shows concerns about the reform, claiming that ordering permits and training strike the right balance between personal rights and public safety. House Bill 596 by Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodaux, was sent to the Senate with a 72-28 vote.
The Senate already has enacted Senate Bill 118, which has the same purpose, with a 27-11 vote.
WATCH: UCLA PROTESTORS LOST THEIR MIND CALLING THE UNIVERSITY A VIOLENT INSTITUTION
Fontenot said Louisiana adults already have the power to carry a firearm freely without a permit. He asserted that many other states have passed comparable provisions and denied the argument that his proposal could put law enforcement officers in danger.
WATCH: TRUMP'S ATTORNEY FACING INDICTMENT IN ARIZONA
Fontenot also said the cost of the training needed to get a permit surpasses the State Police's expenses to give the training. The modification would apply only to people not otherwise suspended from carrying a gun. “We’re not trying to create a new wheel,” Fontenot said. “Criminals will do what criminals will do.”
IS MCDONALD'S BECOMING THE NEW CHAMPION OF AFFORDABILITY?
Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, proposed the bill disrupts the Second Amendment principle that arms should be “well regulated.” Rep. Aimee Freeman, also a New Orleans Democrat, relayed law enforcement concerns that untrained people who can conceal the fact that they are armed would mount perils to officers and the public, particularly if alcohol is involved.
DRAMATIC COURTROOM TWIST: WIFE OF ACCUSED 'CLIFF-DRIVER' MAKES DESPERATE PLEA FOR HUSBAND
The House also unanimously approved House Bill 129 by Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville. It calls for the Council on Peace Officer Standings and Training and other government entities to form plans to recruit more minorities for law enforcement positions. Entities would have to guarantee their officers receive anti-bias training or risk losing state law enforcement grants.
MICHAEL RAPAPORT FURIOUS AFTER SHOW GETS CANCELED
The POST council also would have to approve law enforcement agencies to review “officer-involved shootings” that result in death or serious bodily harm. Officers who engage in misconduct could have their POST certifications suspended or removed, which Bacala said would prevent those officers from finding jobs at other departments when they’re fired for misconduct.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: DAILY CALLER OBTAINS SECRET GAG ORDER
"We’re not opposed to concealed carry. We’re opposed to concealed carry without education and without training," said Fabian Blache Jr., executive director of the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police.
NEED TO SEE TO BELIEVE: DISGRACED BALTIMORE DA MARILYN MOSBY'S PLEA FOR MERCY (WATCH)
Louisiana's gun owners are authorized, under current law, to carry a firearm in public without a permit if the weapon is visible. To conceal it, a permit is needed. That requires undergoing a background check and a 9-hour training course.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
