Louisiana 2011 Legislative Session has Come to a Close

On June 23, the 2011 Louisiana legislative session adjourned. Governor Bobby Jindal signed four pro-gun bills into law. All of these bills will effect on August 15, 2011.

Senate Bill 39, sponsored by state Senators Eric LaFleur (D-28) and Neil Riser (R-32), clarifies that Louisianans may purchase a long gun in any state, and allow a citizen of any other state to purchase a long gun in Louisiana, so long as both states allow such purchases.  This bill was signed into law on June 24.

House Bill 169, introduced by state Representative Cameron Henry (R-82), allows Louisianans to use firearms fitted with lawfully-possessed sound suppressors while hunting nongame nuisance quadrupeds, including feral hogs, coyotes, armadillos, nutria and beaver.  Sound suppressors reduce noise complaints, recoil, and hearing loss while increasing accuracy.  This bill was signed into law on June 14.

House Bill 294, introduced by state Representative Major Thibaut (D-18), removes the requirement to acquire a special permit to trap feral hogs and remove the limitation on the types of firearms used for hunting nongame nuisance quadrupeds including feral hogs, coyotes, armadillos, nutria, and beaver. This bill was signed into law on June 20.

House Bill 489, introduced by state Representative Alan Seabaugh (R-5), removes the requirement that an individual must wait six months to acquire “resident” status to apply for a concealed handgun permit.  This bill was signed into law on June 27.