Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill Tuesday allowing residents 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit or training. With the legislation set to take effect July 4, many in the state have spoken out about the new law.
At LSU, freshmen students have mixed opinions.
Typically within the 18-19 age range, university freshmen would see their gun rights expanded under the law, which currently requires residents to be at least 21 to conceal carry in the state.
For music education freshman Konner Mullins, the law serves as a tool for self-defense in an increasingly uncertain world.
“Criminals are going to have a gun no matter what,” Mullins said. “It’s only smart that we have a means of defending ourselves.”
While the law gives citizens the opportunity to defend themselves, it also raises concerns about the potential safety risks associated with a lack of training. Many argue that without proper education and oversight, the legislation may contribute to a rise in firearm-related accidents and escalate confrontations.
“It’s a lose-lose situation,” said Cardaz Handy, a New Orleans native and freshman biology major. “In all, I think it was rushed. There should have been more time to focus on the details.”
The absence of permit requirements may also complicate legal proceedings involving firearm-related incidents. Without clear documentation of a permit, police may face challenges in determining the legality of a civilian’s firearm possession, potentially leading to legal disputes and increased liability for law enforcement agencies.
“It’ll be a mess for the police,” Mullins said, “A logistical nightmare.”
In a country where statistics show an alarming trend of gun violence, the bill’s passage raises questions about the broader societal impact of increased firearm accessibility.
Freshman petroleum engineering major Ryan Baker worries about the threat of increased school shootings.
“It happens way more than it should,” Baker said. Regarding the bill, Baker feels “it’s just concerning.”
Josie Messina, a freshman studying interior design and a resident of New Orleans, has endured two shelter-in-place incidents during her high school years. In her eyes, the bill will do more harm than good.
“It’s only going to put more guns on the streets and cause more tensions,” Messina said.
Research efforts will closely follow the implementation of the law to assess its impact on gun violence rates, accidental shootings and overall public safety in Louisiana.
LSU’s campus remains a firearm free-zone, and those found in possession of one may be subject to arrest and university discipline according to LSU Police.
