Showing 8 matching statute(s)
Constitutional Carry / Permitless Concealed Carry
Allows law-abiding citizens 21 years of age or older (who are not legally prohibited) to carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Louisiana. Enacted via Act 1 (2024 1st Extra Session).
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
If you are at least 21 years old and legally allowed to own a firearm, you do not need a state permit, background check, or extra training class to carry a hidden handgun on your person in Louisiana. However, you must still follow prohibited location rules (like schools, courthouses, or private businesses that prohibit guns).
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Use of Force or Violence in Defense (Self-Defense)
Defines when force is justified. Establishes no duty to retreat ('Stand Your Ground') for a person who is in a place where he or she has a right to be.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
You have the legal right to defend yourself or others using force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to stop an attack. You are NOT legally required to try to run away first ('no duty to retreat'), provided you are somewhere you are lawfully allowed to be and you are not the aggressor.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Justifiable Homicide (Castle Doctrine)
Justifies lethal force in defense of life or home (Castle Doctrine). Creates legal presumption that entry or attempted forced entry into a dwelling, business, or motor vehicle creates reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
If someone forcibly enters or tries to break into your home, business, or occupied vehicle, Louisiana law automatically assumes you were in fear for your life. This gives you the legal authority to use deadly force to protect yourself, your family, or your property against violent intruders.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Preemption of State Law
Prohibits local governing authorities (parishes, municipalities) from passing firearm restrictions tighter than state law. Ensures uniform gun rights statewide.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
Cities and parishes (like New Orleans or Baton Rouge) cannot pass local gun ordinances or restrictions that are stricter than state laws. This creates a uniform standard across the entire state so gun owners don't accidentally become criminals by crossing city or parish lines.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP)
Governs Louisiana's Concealed Handgun Permit system administered by the State Police. Outlines qualifications, training requirements, reciprocity, and lifetime permit options.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
Even though Louisiana has permitless carry, the state still issues official Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP). Having a CHP is still beneficial because it allows you to carry legally in other states that recognize Louisiana permits (reciprocity) and speeds up firearm purchases by bypassing duplicate NICS background checks.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Possession of Firearm by Persons Convicted of Certain Felonies
Specifies restrictions on firearm possession by individuals convicted of specific violent felonies or drug offenses.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
Individuals convicted of specific violent crimes, sex offenses, burglary, or major felony drug offenses lose their legal right to possess firearms or carry concealed weapons under Louisiana law unless they meet specific statutory restoration conditions.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Carrying Firearm on School Property or Bus
Prohibits unauthorized firearms on K-12 school campuses and school transportation. Outlines statutory firearm-free zones.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
Firearms are strictly banned on elementary, middle, and high school grounds, school buses, and school-sponsored events (within 1,000 feet in designated school zones). Exceptions apply to law enforcement, active security personnel, and qualified individuals with weapons locked safely inside personal vehicles during pickup/drop-off.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →
Civil Immunity for Justifiable Self-Defense
Protects individuals who legally use force in defense of self, others, or property from civil liability or lawsuits brought by aggressors.
💡 Plain English Explanation ("Layman's Terms")
If you legally use force or deadly force to defend yourself against an attacker, that criminal or their family cannot turn around and sue you in civil court for medical bills, damages, or wrongful death. Legal self-defense grants you immunity from civil lawsuits.
View Official Unabridged Text on Legis.la.gov →