Louisiana: Three NRA-Backed Bills Pending Consideration by Senate, Your Help Needed

With just a few weeks left in the 2014 legislative session, three important pro-Second Amendment and pro-sportsman bills are still awaiting consideration by the full Senate.  As previously reported, it is critical that you contact your State Senator TODAY and urge him or her to support the following bills without amendments:

House Bill 72, sponsored by state Representative Joe Lopinto (R-Metairie) and state Senator Bob Kostelka (R-Monroe), would clarify that concealed handgun permit holders may possess firearms in restaurants that serve alcohol.  Forty-nine states allow some form of carrying of firearms for personal protection in restaurants and this bill would codify a right that exists under the carry law but is currently in conflict with a separate criminal statute.

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 could qualify Louisiana permit holders for an exemption from the NICS check when purchasing a firearm from a federal firearm licensed dealer.  Permit holders in 21 other states -- including the neighboring states of Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas -- currently enjoy this exemption.

House Bill 186, sponsored by state Representative Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) and state Senator Rick Ward (R-Port Allen), would allow for the use of lawfully-owned suppressors while hunting game.  It's time for Louisiana to join the majority of other states which allow for the taking of game with these devices which help prevent hearing loss and mitigate noise complaints.

Please contact your State Senator TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 72, HB 1066 and HB 186.  You can reach your state Senator by calling (225) 342-2040 during the week or by clicking here to send an e-mail.  To identify your state Senator, visit here.

This week, the sponsor of NRA-opposed House Bill 826, state Representative Wesley Bishop (D-New Orleans), voluntarily deferred the measure, effectively killing the bill.