Provides relative to concealed carrying of handguns
Summary
HB 393 amends Louisiana’s concealed handgun law to create a narrow exception to an existing prohibited-location rule. Under current law, concealed handguns are barred at certain permitted parades or demonstrations for active participants. This bill keeps that restriction in place for active participants, but expressly states that it does not apply to bystanders or spectators attending a permitted parade or demonstration.
In practical terms, the bill clarifies that people who are merely observing a parade or demonstration are not subject to the same concealed-carry prohibition that applies to those actively taking part in the event. The measure is a targeted change to R.S. 40:1379.3, the statute governing statewide concealed handgun permits and prohibited locations.
Impact
The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 40:1379.3(N)(9), Louisiana’s concealed-carry statute, by carving out an explicit exception for bystanders and spectators at permitted parades or demonstrations. It affects permit holders and others carrying concealed handguns by limiting the prohibition to active participants in those events, while leaving the restriction intact for those engaged in the parade or demonstration itself.
Sentiment
The voting history suggests the bill was generally supported, passing the House 72-16 and the Senate 28-9. That margin indicates broad legislative approval, though not unanimous. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record shows support through final passage votes rather than detailed debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is the scope of the concealed-carry restriction at public events. Supporters appear to favor clarifying that spectators and bystanders should not be treated the same as active participants, while opponents likely object to any relaxation of firearm restrictions around parades and demonstrations, where crowd safety and public order are central concerns. The bill does not change the ban for active participants, so the dispute is focused on whether observers should be exempted from the prohibition.