Louisiana: Governor Signs Pro-Gun Bills into Law

Yesterday, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R) signed into law House Bill 72 and House Bill 1066.  Both measures will take effect on August 1.

House Bill 72, sponsored by state Representative Joe Lopinto (R-Metairie) and state Senator Bob Kostelka (R-Monroe), resolves a conflict between the state's concealed carry law and a separate criminal statute to clarify that concealed handgun permit holders may possess firearms in restaurants that serve alcohol.  Louisiana will now join the 49 other states that allow some form of carry for personal protection in these establishments.

House Bill 1066, sponsored by state Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Bossier City) and state Senator Neil Riser (R-Columbia), makes technical changes to the state concealed carry law which will qualify Louisiana permit holders for an exemption from the NICS check when purchasing a firearm from a federal firearm licensed dealer.  Carry permit holders in 21 other states -- including the neighboring states of Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas -- currently enjoy this exemption.

Thank you to the sponsors of these bills as well as all state legislators who voted for HB 72 and HB 1066.  Special thanks to Governor Jindal for signing into law these important pro-gun measures.  This success would not have been possible without your phone calls and e-mails throughout this legislative session!