Louisiana is gearing up for a fight over potential new federal gun restrictions.
A half-dozen pre-filed bills for the legislative session that convenes in April target the issue, including one that would fine and/or imprison any federal authorities attempting to enforce a ban or forced registration of semi-automatic firearms in the state.
The bills include:
• The proposed Louisiana Preservation of Individual Gun Rights of Citizens Act, which would make it illegal for federal authorities to enforce any ban or required registration of semi-automatic firearms, accessories or ammunition. Violators would be fined up to $5,000 and face up to two years in prison. The measure would also require the attorney general to defend any Louisiana citizen charged with ownership or possession of a semi-automatic firearm or accessory under federal statutes. The bill is co-sponsored by three Capital Region Republican legislators: Rep. Eddie Lambert of Prairieville, Rep. Rogers Pope of Denham Springs, and Rep. Kenneth Havard of St. Francisville. Read the full bill here.
• The proposed Louisiana Manufactured Firearms and Ammunition Act by Rep. Joseph Lopinto of Metairie makes the point of distinguishing between interstate commerce—which Congress has the power to regulate—and intrastate commerce. It would exclude firearms, accessories and ammunition manufactured and sold within Louisiana’s borders from any federal regulation. The proposed law also creates an alternative background check procedure through Louisiana State Police for such weapons. Read the full bill here.
• A bill by Rep. Henry Burns of Haughton seeks to require clerks of court across the state to report relevant mental health information to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections within 30 days of court action. The list includes those who are committed, receive involuntary outpatient treatment or receive mental health treatment or services; as well as those deemed to lack the mental capacity to stand trial; and those who have been acquitted in a criminal case by reason of insanity. Read the full bill here.
• On the other side, Rep. Barbara Norton of Shreveport is proposing a bill that would require gun owners to keep their firearms secured in a locked container or with a safety device, unless it is being carried or in use. Violators face a $300 maximum fine for the first conviction and a maximum $500 fine and six-month prison sentence for subsequent convictions. Read the full bill here.
Two other gun-related bills are also pending: One that would permit off-duty law-enforcement officers to carry firearms on school property, and another that would make it a crime for law-enforcement officers to reveal the identity of anyone who applied for or obtained a concealed handgun permit. Read those bills here and here.
