Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Louisiana maintains some of the most permissive gun laws in the United States, reflecting a strong commitment to gun rights while balancing public safety considerations. Here’s an overview of Louisiana’s open carry laws and regulations:
Louisiana does not require a license or permit to own firearms and imposes no state-level restrictions on assault weapons or large-capacity magazines. However, federal law mandates background checks for purchases through licensed dealers, excluding private sales.
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The Louisiana Constitution affirms the right to keep and bear arms as fundamental, subject to strict scrutiny for any restrictions.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has upheld laws barring felons from firearm possession and validated the state’s concealed carry regulations, citing compelling state interests.
Louisiana is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry permits. Applicants must be state residents aged 21 or older, free of disqualifying criminal or mental health histories, and complete a state-approved handgun safety course.
Carrying firearms, whether openly or concealed, is prohibited in specific locations, including law enforcement facilities, courthouses, schools, places of worship, and establishments with alcohol permits.
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Recent legislative efforts in 2022 aimed to expand permitless carry were unsuccessful, though active-duty military and veterans in Louisiana gained exemptions.
Louisiana’s preemption statute restricts localities like Baton Rouge from enforcing stricter gun laws than state standards.
Key Louisiana Revised Statutes cover illegal weapon possession, firearm prohibition for certain felonies, and restrictions around firearms on school grounds.