The Louisiana Legislature convened for its 2005 Regular Session on Monday, April 25. Two significant "gun control" measures have been introduced, and could be considered by Senate and House committees in the coming weeks.
SB 319 by Senator Ann Duplessis (D-New Orleans) is a much broader state-version of the federal gun ban that sunset last year. It reduces the number of "attachments" required to be classified as a so-called "assault weapon" from two to one. It would require anyone wishing to purchase, possess or transport any semi-automatic firearms covered by the ban, or any ammunition used in those firearms, to obtain a $100 permit every two years from the State Police. Only individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of Louisiana`s Right To Carry law could be issued a permit - qualifications that are much more stringent than those to possess a firearm under federal law. And the State Police could deny a permit a variety of reasons - including "for good cause."
Licensed firearms dealers would be prohibited from maintaining an inventory of any firearms designated as so-called "assault weapons." Dealers could only sell these firearms, ammunition or parts to individuals who have been issued the special permit required under the bill. They would be required to maintain a separate registry of any transactions involving these firearms, ammunition or parts, and they must make records of these transactions available upon the request of any law enforcement officer, for any reason. A $50 tax would be imposed on any order of ammunition if the ammunition could be used in a so-called "assault weapon."
SB 319 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary B Committeee. Please contact the committee members below and urge them to OPPOSE SB 319.
Senate Judiciary B Committee
NOTE: All Senators can be reached in Baton Rouge during the workweek by calling
(225) 342-2040
Senator Rob Marionneaux, Chairman (D-Livonia)
District Office (225) 637-3623
Senator Don Cravins, Vice-Chairman (D-Lafayette)
District Office (337) 234-9695
Senator Jay Dardenne (R-Baton Rouge)
District Office (225) 342-9788
Senator Noble Ellington (R-Winnsboro)
District Office (318) 435-7313
Senator Ken Hollis (R-Metairie)
District Office (504) 828-9300
Senator CD Jones (D-Monroe)
District Office (318) 362-5469
HB 726 by Representative Charmaine Marchand (D-New Orleans) would impose a 3-percent tax on the sale of all ammunition in the state. Monies collected under the bill would be deposited into a newly-created fund called the "Juvenile Crime Prevention Fund." Programs, services and activities which may be supported by future appropriations from that Fund include the following: "conflict resolution and anger management", "stress management and reduction", and "self-esteem development."
HB 726 has been referred to the House Ways & Means Committee. Please contact committee members below and urge them to OPPOSE HB 726.
House Ways & Means Committee
All Representatives can be reached in Baton Rouge during the workweek by calling
(225) 342-6945
Representative Bryant Hammett, Jr., Chairman (D-Ferriday)
District Office (318) 757-3665
Representative Carla Blanchard Dartez, Vice-Chairman (D-Morgan City)
District Office (985) 385-7019
Representative Jeff Arnold (D-New Orleans)
District Office (504) 393-5801
Representative Damon Baldone (D-Houma)
District Office (985) 876-8872
Representative Ernest Baylor (D-Shreveport)
District Office (318) 635-1850
Representative Israel Curtis (D-Alexandria)
District Office (318) 487-5417
Representative Rick Farrar (D-Pineville)
District Office (318) 484-2110
Representative Bobby Faucheux (D-LaPlace)
District Office (985) 651-3886
Representative Alex Heaton (D-New Orleans)
District Office (504) 483-4235
Representative Herman Ray Hill (D-Dry Creek)
District Office (800) 259-2118
Representative Lelon Kenney (D-Columbia)
District Office (318) 649-9100
Representative Billy Wayne Montgomery (D-Haughton)
District Office (318) 949-2463
Representative Kenneth Odinet (D-Arabi)
District Office (504) 361-6685
Representative Jane Smith (R-Bossier City)
District Office (318) 741-2825
Representative Taylor Townsend (D-Natchitoches)
District Office (318) 357-7048
If you would be interested in coming to Baton Rouge to testify against either of these measures, please contact David Myers at NRA HQ at [email protected]. We are especially interested in any impact witnesses who have expertise on semi-automatic firearm design and function, or any licensed dealers who would be negatively impacted by these measures.
Thank You.
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