Please Contact Your State Legislators Today!
Two important pro-gun bills took a big step forward yesterday, Wednesday, April 28.
The Senate Judiciary B Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 81, legislation which was introduced by State Senator Daniel Martiny (R-10). SB81 would exempt concealed carry permit holders from the 1,000 foot “Gun Free School Zone.” The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.
The companion bill, House Bill 556, sponsored by State Representative Ernest Wooton (R-105), also passed yesterday out of the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice by a vote of 8-3. HB556 now heads to the House floor for consideration.
State law prohibits any individual from possessing a firearm within approximately a quarter mile of any school property, even concealed carry permit licensees. An individual does not have to know that they’re within the 1000 foot zone and the penalty for violation of this statute is a felony.
Although the current state prohibition does not apply to possession of a firearm in or on private property (home, automobile, land, or place of business), it has very real impact on law-abiding Louisianans’ ability to protect themselves and their families in everyday situations, such as walking the dog or walking home at night from work.
Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge them to pass SB81. Also, please contact your State Representative and ask that they support HB556. Contact information for your State Legislators can be found here.