12 Places in Louisiana You Still Cannot Legally to Carry a Concealed Firearm

Lafayette, LA (KPEL News) - The Louisiana Legislature approved a measure that allows anyone who has not been convicted of a felony who is 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign it as soon as it htits his desk.

The Louisiana constitutional carry bill passed along party lies during the special session that adjourned on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Also called the permit-less concealed carry bill, Senate Bill 1 reads that:

...law-abiding persons eighteen years of age and not otherwise prohibited may carry a concealed weapon lawfully without a permit...

Louisiana joins 27 other states that allow people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, but the law in the Bayou State makes it legal for a resident of any state to do so within our borders.

No matter whether a permit is required or not, the constitutional carry bill passed by the Louisiana Legislature and to be signed by Governor Landry does not change the locations where you are permitted to carry a firearm, concealed or not.

Caleb Morse, owner of the Rustic Renegade in Lafayette, reminds gun owners that it's their responsibility to be informed and know the laws governing carrying a firearm.

He says that, as soon as the Louisiana Legislature gave its approval, more people have inquired about purchasing a firearm. He does encourage current and future gun owners to practice at a range and consider training with a handgun.

The law, once signed by Governor Landry, would go into effect on July 4th, Independence Day.

An informational packet provided by Louisiana State Police about concealed carry outlines the specific areas and locations where people are forbidden from carrying a concealed firearm:

• A law enforcement office or building.
• A detention facility, like a prison or jail.
• A courthouse or courtroom.
• A polling place.
• A municipal building or public building, if the facility is used as a meeting place for a government body.
• The state capitol building.
• An airport facility, unless it's encased for shipment in checked baggage.
• A house of worship, like a church, that qualifies as a non-profit organization, unless authorized by the authority over that building.
• A parade or demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity.
• Any place that has a Class A-General retail permit (liquor license) and is allowed to sell alcoholic beverages that are consumed on site. (i.e., a bar)
• Any school, campus, or bus.

In regard to personal property, the law requires that the carrier of the firearm get permission from the homeowner or renter prior to entering.

If a business has a sign forbidding the carrying of firearms on its property or asks you not to, you must abide their wishes, too.

Note also that, anytime you are carrying a firearm, you must notify a law enforcement officer approaching in an official manner who has a specific purpose, like during a traffic stop. Louisiana State Police detail what should happen in such instances:

1. Notify the officer that he has a weapon on his person.
2. Submit to a pat down.
3. Allow the officer to temporarily disarm him.

While the Second Amendment allows Americans to own and carry weapons, we should do so responsibly and will full understanding of the responsibility that comes with that right.