(NewsReady.com) – At least 29 states have constitutional carry laws on the books. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) signed a law for his state in April. Although there’s a statewide law allowing citizens to carry firearms, one city isn’t complying right away.
On July 4, the constitutional carry law went into effect across the state. It allows non-felons to legally carry a concealed firearm without a permit. New Orleans officials held a news conference ahead of the state law taking effect to explain how the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will enforce gun laws in the city.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, District Attorney Jason Williams, Councilmember Helena Moreno, and other leaders explained that while the state law was in effect as of July 4, the city would still be enforcing its gun laws for a short period of time. Specifically, New Orleans Municipal Code 54-341 would remain in effect until August 1.
The municipal law has been on the books since the 1950s. It requires all gun owners in the city to have a permit. Chief Kirkpatrick stated that NOPD officers have been undergoing training to learn how to avoid violating “any person’s constitutional rights against an illegal search and seizure.”
The NOPD also released a video:
The chief encouraged gun owners to also educate themselves about the new law because there are things like “negligent carry” that would be enforced. Felons and those with court orders prohibiting them from owning a gun would not be allowed to participate in constitutional carry.
Additionally, Kirkpatrick said that anyone who is under the influence of drugs or has a blood alcohol level above 0.05 would not be allowed to carry a gun. He said that nobody is allowed to have a firearm “within 1,000 feet of any school campus,” or businesses that serve alcohol. Finally, individuals must have permission to carry a concealed weapon at parades and demonstrations where permits are required.
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