Constitutional carry of a firearm is … well … constitutional. Imagine that! There are 16 states with constitutional carry laws in effect and bills are pending in several other states. As a concealed carry permit owner you should decide to support HB 686 because constitutional carry in Louisiana (and any state for that matter) is a constitutionally-protected right. You have the right to carry a firearm openly in Louisiana; constitutional carry would allow someone carrying a firearm to put on a coat or wear his shirt untucked.
Carrying under the constitutional carry bill will have its limitations. Some limitations include a lack of reciprocity, inability to carry within a 1000-foot school zone, and the inability to carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol
Some people may think that it is a good idea to require a person to get a permit to carry a concealed firearm, however that is opinion and not legal fact. Louisiana Constitution Article 1, Section 11 says that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, and any infringement will be subject to strict scrutiny and review. Strict scrutiny requires a compelling governmental interest and a narrowly tailored regulation. Louisiana citizens have a constitutionally protected right to open carry in Louisiana.
Open carry has been practiced in Louisiana for many years without any issues. 16 other states experience no issues with constitutional carry. This clearly shows that there is no compelling governmental interest in preventing a law-abiding citizen from carrying his/her legally owned firearm in a concealed manner without obtaining a permit to do so.
As a concealed carry permit owner you should decide to support HB 686 because constitutional carry in Louisiana (and any state for that matter) is a constitutionally-protected right.
