(ConservativeInsider.org) – The Louisiana Senate Committee has approved legislation that would allow the concealed carrying of a handgun without a permit. If the legislation is passed successfully, it would make Louisiana the 28th state to adopt the ability to carry a handgun without any Government restriction in place – known as a Constitutional Carry State.
In a Constitutional Carry State, there is no training or licensing required to legally carry a firearm. Some states implement certain policies for unlicensed carry that restrict who can carry or the method of carry. Some states require you to be at least 21 years old, and some other states require you to be a resident.
When the Constitutional Carry bill passed the Louisiana legislature almost two years ago, it was vetoed by Gov. John Bel Edwards (D). However, it is on the move again and now the constitutional carry legislation, promoted by Representative Danny McCormick (R), has passed out of committee.
Opponents of constitutional carry legislation often make the argument that it is dangerous, however in the states where constitutional carry has been adopted, there has been no spike in firearms accidents or violent gun-related crime.
In addition, concealed carry laws have never stopped any criminal from carrying firearms without a license. However, such laws do prevent law abiding citizens from carrying a firearm. Also, concealed carry licensing systems can easily prevent people from regularly carrying a firearm to protect themselves.
The high permit cost – up to 150 dollars – prevents individuals with lower income from obtaining permits. A class may also be required which may cost an extra 150 dollars and it takes at least two days to apply for the license and to take the class. It may be problematic for some low-income individuals to miss two days of work. In addition, lower income individuals are more likely to be victims of violent crime.
There are currently 27 constitutional carry states in the Union, with Florida and Nebraska’s constitutional carry laws taking effect later in 2023.
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