What is permitless carry? Louisiana residents could soon carry concealed guns without training.

Louisiana lawmakers could soon let residents 18 years or older carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit or a license. 

On Thursday, Louisiana senators approved Senate Bill 1, which would allow for permitless carry in the state. The legislation now makes its way to the House for debate. 

Meanwhile, the House has its own legislation that would also allow for permitless carry. House Bill 12 is currently held up in the House criminal justice committee.

Here’s a look at what the legislation means and what it would change in Louisiana if passed. 

Constitutional carry vs. permitless carry

Over the last decade, gun rights advocates have pushed to pass legislation allowing for both open and concealed possession of a firearm without a permit, claiming the Second Amendment provides for the constitutional right to own a gun. This movement has since been dubbed as “constitutional carry.”

When people say constitutional carry and permitless carry, they are often referring to the same thing: having a concealed handgun without a state-issued permit. 

Twenty-seven states currently allow residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, though some states like Oklahoma, West Virginia and Wyoming require residents to be 21 to possess a concealed handgun.

What the change would mean for Louisiana

Louisiana law currently allows for open carry of a handgun without a permit, except in areas designated as “firearm-free zones” like schools, courthouses and military bases.

But to carry a concealed weapon, a person must be 21 and have a concealed handgun permit.

The fee for the permit is $125, and it requires applicants to have completed a firearms safety course and to submit fingerprints, along with any arrest records. 

If SB 1 or HB 12 receives final approval and is signed off by Gov. Jeff Landry, that permit would no longer be required. The age to have a concealed handgun would also be lowered to 18. 

People who are already prohibited from owning a gun in Louisiana or federally, including those with prior felonies or domestic violence charges, would not be able to carry a concealed weapon under the legislation. 

Federal laws requiring background checks when buying a from federally licensed gun dealers would still be applicable.