Louisiana: Governor Signs Package of Pro-Gun NRA-Backed Bills

Over the weekend, Governor John Bel Edwards showed his strong support of the second amendment by signing the NRA’s pro-2A legislative package. Thank you to Governor Edwards for his support of these vitally important measures that expand the constitutional rights of Louisianans, especially during times of crisis.

House Bill 746, sponsored by Rep. Ray Garofalo, allows those who lawfully possess a firearm to carry concealed for self-defense during a mandatory evacuation under a declared state of emergency or disaster.

House Bill 781, sponsored by Rep. Blake Miguez, establishes that firearms and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers, and retailers are “Essential Businesses” that shall not be prohibited from conducting business during a declared disaster or emergency.  HB 781 further prevents law-abiding gun owners’ rights from being infringed during proclaimed curfews.

House Bill 140, sponsored by Rep. Blake Miguez, prevents local authorities and municipalities from imposing restrictions to prohibit the possession of a firearm.  Preemption legislation is designed to stop municipalities from creating a patchwork of different laws that turn a law-abiding citizen into a criminal for simply crossing a jurisdictional line.

House Bill 334, sponsored by Reps. Bryan Fontenot, Blake Miguez and Charles Owen, authorizes a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship, with permission from church leadership.

NRA would like to thank bill sponsors Rep. Blake Miguez, Rep. Bryan Fontenot, and Rep. Ray Garofalo.  Also, special thanks to those legislators who helped shepherd these measures through the legislative process.  The support of these lawmakers ensured that the Second Amendment rights of Louisiana citizens are strengthened and protected.

A further thank you to NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters who contacted their lawmakers in support of the above measures.  Your action and emails made all the difference.