As of August 2020, the requirements for carrying a concealed firearm in a church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar places of worship in Louisiana have changed. The previous mandate for specific training and other requirements was repealed during the 2020 legislative session.

Current Law Explained

Under Louisiana law, LA R.S. 40:1379.3 N. (8), you are generally not allowed to carry a concealed firearm in any place of worship that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. 501. However, there is an important exception to this rule: you may carry a concealed firearm if you have authorization from the person who has authority over the administration of the place of worship.

Key Points:

1. Prohibition: Carrying a concealed firearm in places of worship is prohibited unless specific permission is granted.
2. Authorization: To legally carry a concealed firearm, you must obtain authorization from the individual with administrative authority over the place of worship. While the law does not dictate it, it would be in the best interest of the permit holder and place of worship to have said permissions documented that the person is allowed to carry inside the place of worship.
3. Tax-Exempt Status: The law applies to places of worship that qualify as tax-exempt organizations under federal tax law.
4. Other Qualifications: Places of worship may still require training or other qualifications before granting permission. It is up to each entity to decide the criteria for granting such permissions.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out to us. Your safety and responsible gun ownership are our top priorities.

At Bearco Training, we provide specialized training for both armed and unarmed safety teams in places of worship. Our programs are designed to ensure that your safety team is prepared to protect your congregation effectively and responsibly. Contact us today to learn more about our training options.

Stay informed and stay safe.

The post Concealed Carry in Louisiana Churches: Understanding the Current Law (2020) first appeared on Bearco Training.

What is the Guardian Armed Home Defense Workshop?

Our new 3-hour workshop is a hands-on training program designed to enhance your family’s safety and preparedness against potential home invasions. Conducted in the comfort of your own home, this workshop is tailored to your family’s specific needs and your home’s unique layout.

The Takeaway

Your family’s safety is our top priority. With the Guardian Armed Home Defense Workshop, you will gain not just skills, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are prepared to protect your home and loved ones.

Book Your Workshop

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot. Contact us now to register or you can get more information at https://bearcotraining.com/guardian-armed-home-defense-workshop.

We look forward to helping you strengthen your home defense and bring safety and security into your life.

Stay Safe, Barret

The post Introducing the Guardian Armed Home Defense Workshop – Your Key to Enhanced Home Safety first appeared on Bearco Training.

However, this does not mean you do not need a Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit anymore. Most people will still be required to have a permit to continue to keep up with normal routines.

I wrote the following article for Shooting News Weekly to help readers better understand the new laws.
https://www.shootingnewsweekly.com/2024/03/05/louisiana-makes-28-states-as-governor-jeff-landry-signs-permitless-carry-into-law/

I also created this live video to walk through the changes for LA’s permitless carry exceptions, which are usually referred to as constitutional carry.

The post Louisiana Joins the Ranks of Permitless Carry States first appeared on Bearco Training.

Introduction:

We regret to inform you that Louisiana’s constitutional carry bill, which aimed to allow law-abiding adults to carry concealed handguns without a permit, has unfortunately failed to pass in the state’s 2023 legislative session. This outcome has left many supporters of Second Amendment rights disheartened. It is essential that we continue to fight for our rights and freedoms in Louisiana.

Louisiana’s Constitutional Carry Bill Falls Short: Despite significant efforts and support from citizens advocating for the bill, Louisiana’s constitutional carry legislation did not receive the finale passage and signature required to become law during the 2023 legislative session. The bill, which aimed to remove barriers and allow responsible adults to exercise their right to self-defense, was unfortunately pulled by Rep. Danny McCormick after they wanted to amend his bill to add training requirements and mandatory presentation of valid state IDs to police if requested, which McCormick opposed.

Moving Forward:

While the failure of the constitutional carry bill is disheartening, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for our Second Amendment rights. We will regroup and continue engaging with policymakers to champion the cause of constitutional carry in Louisiana. It is through our collective efforts, persistence, and unwavering dedication that we can strive to achieve a future where law-abiding citizens can freely exercise their right to bear arms.

Conclusion:

While HB 131 failed to pass this year, and a previous attempt was vetoed by Governor Edwards during the 2021 legislative session, we hope to have the rights restored during one of the future Louisiana Legislative Sessions.

The post Louisiana’s Constitutional Carry Bill Fails in 2023 Legislative Session first appeared on Bearco Training.

Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit holders have reason to celebrate as the state police recently announced that the permit will now be part of the LA Wallet app. This app is the official digital identification holder for the state of Louisiana, and it allows users to store a digital copy of their driver’s license, state ID, and various licenses, including the Concealed Carry permit. The Louisiana State Police have stated that they will accept the digital version of the permit as proof of having a valid Concealed Carry permit.

However, it’s important to note that physical cards will still be issued, and holders are not required to use the app. It’s also recommended that the physical card be kept nearby when carrying, as there may be situations where it’s necessary to produce the physical card, such as when showing it as proof of a background check when buying guns through an FFL dealer. While the LA Wallet app is free and available on both iPhones and Androids, it’s always a good idea to have a physical copy as a backup.

Overall, this change is a positive one for Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit holders. The ability to store a digital copy of the permit on the LA Wallet app provides a convenient and accessible option for carrying proof of the permit. However, it’s important to remember that the existing Concealed Carry permit laws still apply, and holders must adhere to these laws regardless of whether they are using the physical card or digital version. As always, it’s important to stay up to date on any changes and regulations related to Concealed Carry permits in Louisiana.

Don’t have a permit yet? We have both online classes and in-person courses available for certification.

The post Louisiana CHPs have been added to the LA Wallet App first appeared on Bearco Training.

Gun control has been a topic of debate for many years. Despite efforts to control the sale and use of firearms, incidents of violence involving guns continue to occur. Recently, there has been discussion surrounding the use of Glock switches, a part that can be swapped out into a handgun and convert it from semi-automatic to fully automatic. While the sale of these switches has been illegal since 1986, they still exist in the black market and are being used in criminal activities.

The National Firearms Act, passed in 1934, placed a $200 tax stamp on certain types of firearms, including machine guns and silencers. The Hughes Amendment, added in 1986, banned the sale and transfer of fully automatic weapons manufactured after that year. Despite these laws, it is clear that criminals will always find a way to circumvent them. The existence of Glock switches in the black market highlights the fact that there will always be a demand for outlawed items.

However, it is important to note that simply making something illegal does not necessarily solve the problem. As long as there is demand, there will always be a black market for these items. Instead of solely focusing on controlling the sale and use of firearms, efforts should also be made to change the mindset and behavior of individuals. By educating and influencing the upcoming generation, we can work towards changing the heart of those who may be inclined towards criminal activity involving firearms.

In conclusion, the continued existence of Glock switches and other outlawed firearms highlights the fact that stricter gun control laws may not be the ultimate solution to gun violence. While efforts to control the sale and use of firearms are important, it is equally important to focus on changing the mindset and behavior of individuals. By addressing the root causes of gun violence, we can work towards a safer society for all.

The post Glock Switches and Failed Gun Control first appeared on Bearco Training.

It is important to note that even with constitutional carry, there are still restrictions on where individuals can carry firearms. For example, it is illegal to carry a gun on school grounds, within 1000′ of school property, in most government buildings, in any establishment that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises, and in certain other locations. Additionally, private property owners may prohibit individuals from carrying firearms on their property. Some of the above-listed places are ok when you have a LA Concealed Handgun Permit.

If you are interested in carrying a firearm under this new law, it is important to familiarize yourself with the details and restrictions of all applicable laws and use of force concepts. If you only want the bare minimum, we have this 4-hr online course.

The Louisiana Senate Bill 143, Act 680, in the 2022 Louisiana Legislative Session, outlines the details of the new constitutional carry law for military personnel. The law can be accessed through the legislative website at https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1290223.

At all times that a person is in possession of a concealed handgun pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.3(B)(2), that person shall have on his person proof that he meets the qualifications of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph demonstrated by one of the following:

1. A valid military identification card.
2. A valid driver’s license issued by the state of Louisiana displaying the word “Veteran” pursuant to R.S. 32:412(K).
3. A valid special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana displaying the word “Veteran” pursuant to R.S. 40:1321(K).
4. For a member released from service who does not qualify to have the word “Veteran” displayed on a state issued driver’s license or special identification card, a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) indicating the character of service as “Honorable” or “Under Honorable Conditions (General)” and a valid driver’s license or special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana.

Louisiana does require that any person carrying under the constitutional carry law also be eligible for the concealed carry permit and not be prohibited under other state or federal laws. Recent DUI and drug convictions prevent this, as well as protective orders, certain felony convictions, and a few other things. The LA CHP qualifications are listed in LA R.S. 40:1379.3 (C)(5) through (17). I’ve listed the qualifications below, but you can always view the most up to date version at https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=97451

• (5) Not suffer from a mental or physical infirmity due to disease, illness, or intellectual disability which prevents the safe handling of a handgun.
• (6) Not be ineligible to possess a firearm by virtue of having been convicted of a felony. A conviction for a felony offense which has been expunged prior to August 1, 2014, pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 44:9 or on or after August 1, 2014, pursuant to Title XXXIV of the Code of Criminal Procedure shall not be considered a conviction for the purposes of this Paragraph if ten years have elapsed since the completion of the resident’s probation, parole, or suspended sentence. However, the provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to a conviction for a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) even if that conviction has been expunged. A conviction for which a person has been pardoned by the governor shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of this Paragraph, unless that pardon expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.
• (7) Not have been committed, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for the abuse of a controlled dangerous substance, as defined by R.S. 40:961 and 964, or been found guilty of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a misdemeanor under the laws of this state or similar laws of any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within a five-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted, or be presently charged under indictment or a bill of information for such an offense.
• (8) Not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant or permittee chronically and habitually uses alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been found guilty of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or has been admitted, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for treatment as an alcoholic, within the five-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted, or at any time after the application has been submitted.
• (9) Not have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2 at the misdemeanor level, unless five years have elapsed since completion of sentence or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled, or unless the conviction was set aside and the prosecution dismissed, prior to the date on which the application is submitted.
• (10) Not have been convicted of, have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or not be charged under indictment or a bill of information for any crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if fifteen or more years has elapsed between the date of application and the successful completion or service of any sentence, deferred adjudication, or period of probation or parole. A conviction for a felony offense which has been expunged prior to August 1, 2014, pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 44:9 or on or after August 1, 2014, pursuant to Title XXXIV of the Code of Criminal Procedure shall not be considered a conviction for the purposes of this Paragraph if ten years have elapsed since the completion of the resident’s probation, parole, or suspended sentence. However, the provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to a conviction for a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) even if that conviction has been expunged. A conviction for which a person has been pardoned by the governor shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of this Paragraph, unless that pardon expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.
• (11) Not be a fugitive from justice.
• (12) Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, or narcotic drugs.
• (13) Not have been adjudicated to be mentally deficient or been committed to a mental institution, unless the resident’s right to possess a firearm has been restored pursuant to R.S. 28:57.
• (14) Not be an illegal alien in the United States.
• (15) Not have been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States with a discharge characterized as “Under Other than Honorable Conditions”, a “Bad Conduct Discharge”, or a “Dishonorable Discharge”. In the case of Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers of the United States Armed Forces, the punishment of “Dismissal” rendered subject to a verdict of “guilty” at a trial by military court-martial is deemed to be disqualifying under this Paragraph. For the purposes of this Paragraph, the United States Coast Guard is considered an armed force.
• (16) Not have a history of engaging in violent behavior. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent behavior upon proof that, within a ten-year period immediately preceding the date of the application, the applicant has been arrested or charged on three or more occasions for any crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B), or has been arrested or charged on two or more occasions for any crime of violence that may be punished by death.
• (17) Not be ineligible to possess or receive a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or (n).

You must also not be prohibited under R.S. 14:95.1, 18 U.S.C. 922(g), or any other state or federal law.

It is important to note that the information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Anyone interested in carrying a firearm under this new law should consult with a legal professional to ensure that they understand the requirements and restrictions.

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