BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A bill that was passed into law that allows citizens to conceal carry in public without a permit in Louisiana went into effect on Thursday, July 4.

“The Louisiana constitution carry law only applies for residents of Louisiana within Louisiana,” said Louisiana State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield.

The law only applies to residents over the age of 18 and who are not prohibited from carrying a weapon. Mayfield said in some states the law applies differently.

“The Louisiana permit is recognized in 37 states,” Mayfield said. “Without a permit, you cannot carry concealed in most other states.”

LSP shared on Facebook that obtaining a Louisiana concealed handgun permit means receiving training from state-certified firearms instructors.

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“You’ll learn about handgun safety, ammunition shooting fundamentals, the use of deadly force, conflict resolution, live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures,” Mayfield said.

Christopher Woosley, district manager for Precision Firearms and Indoor Range, said safety and the lack of education is his number one concern.

“There’s a lot of things that people can do with a gun that they don’t understand is illegal, but it can get them into a lot of trouble. That’s why we still suggest getting training even if you’re not trying to go for a concealed handgun license,” Woosley said.

Louisiana law states that gun operators are not allowed inside areas that prohibit firearms but there is an exception for carrying inside restaurants.

John Lacasse, a former police officer, said he’s had his concealed carry permit for over a year. Lacasse said carrying without a gun permit is fine, but residents should be aware of state gun laws.

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“I would hope that most people who don’t go through a course but do carry will be very mindful of the fact that it is life and death,” Lacasse said.

Woosley said women who have been victims of domestic violence, stalking, or have a restraining order against someone, can visit the Precision Firearms and Indoor Range to sign up for the self-defense classes at the range at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 13.

Victims are required to bring police reports or documentation that show the person is a victim of a violent crime. During the week, Precision Firearms and Indoor Range hosts concealed carry and constitutional carry classes.

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