Louisiana Governor Vetoes Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without Permit

Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards (D.) has vetoed a bill that would allow state residents to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

Under the new bill, all residents age 21 or older would be allowed to carry a concealed gun without a permit provided that a resident is not prohibited from obtaining a handgun under any other state or federal law.

Edwards, however, said he believes current law allows for “reasonable” permit practices.

Edwards said in a statement on Friday following the veto that he cannot support carrying a concealed-carry firearm without proper education and safety training.

He said it is not too much to ask that a person who wishes to carry a concealed weapon in public be required to attend basic marksmanship and safety training so they understand the regulations associated with such an action.

State Senator Jay Morris, the Republican sponsor of the bill, indicated that he hoped the Louisiana legislature would override Edwards’s veto.

Mississippi has allowed permit-less carry since 2016, while Texas governor Greg Abbott signed a law last week allowing permit-less carry in his state.