Concealed handgun debate: Bill allowing La. citizens to carry handguns without training, permit gets mixed opinions

A bill would allow citizens 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, breezed through the Louisiana House, but the bill created debate amongst law enforcement agents.
Under current rules, citizens must undergo safety training and a background check to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
The legislation would do away with those requirements.
Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodaux, sponsor of HB 596, said there is a balance between constitutional freedoms and government mandates.
“I believe that training should be required, but the constitution says we have the right to possess firearms,” Fontenot told the House last week in Baton Rouge.
He said State Police spend about $700,000 on the permitting process, including background checks, and collect about $5 million per year.
“Honest citizens should not be burdened with background checks,” Fontenot said.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon gave his thoughts on the bill.
“As a law enforcement officer and father, I support the right for law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm, which is the right to protect oneself and family,” said Couvillon. “The criminals carry with no adherence to rules, and this bill in its current form would allow law-abiding citizens to carry without the need for government approval or oversight.
“We were happy to see the bill includes a duty to inform if you are carrying when encountering law enforcement along with some basic restrictions and that the bill does not interfere with current gun-free zones that prohibit the carrying of firearms. However, as a matter of public safety, I do encourage the public to seek basic firearm safety and skills training.”
When approved last week in a House committee, the proposal sparked heavy opposition from law enforcement leaders, including the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police and Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul.
Gov. John Bel Edwards has said he would veto any bill that ends the permitting process.
Erath Police Chief Anna LaPointe is all for carrying a firearm and not having to pay money to get a permit to carry a gun.
However, she still would like the person who wants a gun to get some training.
“I worry about not being trained,” said LaPointe. “I am all for gun rights. But there should be some classes to teach people how to use a firearm. Even if it is a one-day class, it is something.”
Kaplan Police Chief added, “I believe the open carry law is great, but to conceal a weapon without a permit could make safety issues at some point with people pulling a weapon on someone and officers pulling up could create an issue.”
Abbeville Police Chief Bill Spearman said the Abbeville Police Department has a duty to uphold the constitution and laws of our great country, state and city. As the chief of police, he said he shall ensure that the police department continues to enforce and uphold the laws set forth by our elected legislators, said the chief.
Maurice Police Chief Guy Nerren said getting trained to carry a firearm makes the person using the gun better prepared to use the gun.
“It is everyone’s constitutional right to bear arms,” said Maurice Police Chief Guy Nerren. “I think having concealed carry classes and permits is a good thing because it gives individuals training on how to use a handgun properly.
“Laws are not technically put into place to harm individuals. It is to protect individuals. The criminal element will always get around laws. I do not think most people will have a problem with the permits if you’re on the right side of the law.”
He compared it to getting a driver’s license. A person has to take a test and learn the laws of the road before they can drive. Once they know the rules of driving, they are awarded with a driver’s license.
“Think about it this way, if someone wants to carry a weapon, it is to protect themselves,” Nerren added. “So, would you not want that person trained if they have to use it?”
Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, cited a poll that showed 80% of state residents favor keeping the current permit process, reported in the Advocate newspaper.
Rep Blake Miguez said 21 other states have similar laws, and making the bill a state law would strengthen Second Amendment rights for Louisiana residents.
“I support constitutional carry because law-abiding citizens shouldn’t need permission from the government to exercise their second amendment constitutional rights of defending themselves and their loved ones. If passed, Louisiana would join 21 other states who have passed similar legislation. In Louisiana, this would bring concealed carry rules in line with the current law for open carry,” said Miguez.