Louisiana has recently passed a law that allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm without the need for a permit.
As of midnight on Thursday, Louisiana’s “constitutional carry” law went into effect. The law, which was written by Senator Blake Miguez (R-New Iberia) and passed by the state legislature during this year’s regular session, permits individuals who are 18 years of age or older to carry a concealed firearm without requiring them to obtain training or a concealed carry license from the state.
According to New Orleans concealed carry instructor, Dave Newman, it’s crucial for individuals who plan to utilize the new law to carry concealed firearms to have a complete understanding of not only how to use a firearm correctly but also when to use it. Newman emphasized that this knowledge could be the key to avoiding legal issues. Despite the recent changes in the law, Newman believes that responsible gun ownership should always be a top priority. In an interview with WWL’s Tommy Tucker, he stressed the importance of proper training and education to ensure the safe and responsible use of firearms.
Newman clarified that despite people approaching him and asking why he is still offering classes when permits are going away, it is not true. He personally believes that many individuals do not fully understand the proper use of force. Often, people mistakenly think that guns are a solution for resolving arguments or to intimidate others without violating the law. However, such actions can result in being handcuffed by law enforcement, which can be confusing for some people.
According to him, obtaining proper training and a concealed carry license can make all the difference in a gun owner’s life or death situation.
Newman emphasized that in cases of homicide, it is crucial to understand the concept of justifiable use of force. For instance, if someone attacks you and you end up shooting them, it is evident that a homicide has occurred, and you are the one who committed it. However, the question then arises whether the homicide was justifiable or not. Newman cautions that failure to grasp the concept of justifiable use of force could land you in jail for the rest of your life.
During an interview with Tommy Tucker on WWL, Newman cautioned that while the law allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a license, there are still certain pitfalls that concealed carriers must steer clear of.
According to Newman, while constitutional carry has been a hot topic lately, there are certain areas where carrying a firearm would still be prohibited. This includes gun-free zones such as schools, which have a radius of 1,000 feet. Newman pointed out that in Orleans Parish, the gun-free school zones cover nearly the entire map, making it essential for people to familiarize themselves with these restrictions. “The part that often goes unmentioned is that even with constitutional carry, there will still be limitations on where you can carry,” Newman stated.
According to Newman, individuals with a concealed carry permit can also reap the benefits of this law.
According to Newman, Senate Bill 2 provides permit holders with a qualified immunity similar to that of law enforcement officers. This immunity protects them from civil suits brought by attackers or their families, as long as there are no criminal charges involved. Newman also clarified that the misconception that constitutional carry in other states would allow Texans to carry without a permit is false. The laws in those states apply only to their citizens or residents, as explicitly stated in their laws. For instance, it would say ‘for citizens of the state of Texas’ or ‘for residents of those states’ in their laws.’
