It is now legal to carry a concealed gun without a permit in the state of Louisiana.
The state’s “constitutional carry” law took effect at midnight on Thursday. That law, authored by Sen. Blake Miguez (R-New Iberia) and approved by the state legislature during this spring’s regular legislative session, allows anyone aged 18 or older to carry a concealed firearm without first obtaining training and a state-issued concealed carry license.
Despite the change in the law, New Orleans concealed carry instructor Dave Newman says it’s imperative that anyone who intends to take advantage of the new law understands not only how to properly use a firearm but also when to use it. Newman told WWL’s Tommy Tucker this knowledge could keep someone out of legal trouble.
“I’ve had several people approach me an ask, ‘Why are you still offering classes when permits are going away?’ That’s not true!” Newman said. “I personally find that a lot of people really didn’t understand the use of force. People think that guns are for solving arguments, or if somebody gives them a nasty look or they think they’re about to do something, they think they can brandish their guns and not be in violation of the law. They they wonder why the cops are putting handcuffs on them.”