SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) A proposed bill is changing the rules for carrying concealed handguns. The legislation now allows concealed carry at public parades and demonstrations that require permits.
House Bill 393 has not yet passed, but local leaders say it raises some concerns.
“Nobody asked for this bill, but the NRA, and those who are super pro-gun to where they put guns over people, right?” said State Representative Joy Walters.
HB 393 has some lawmakers asking questions. District 4 state representative Walters, who often rides in Mardi Gras parades, says the bill creates a double standard for those participating in the parade versus spectators.
“This coming season, this coming Mardi Gras season, it will be where people who are spectators, yes, they can conceal carry, you know, with their permits and whatnot, however, those of us who are on floats, we won’t be able to,” said Walters. “I look at it as a betrayal. The fact that this person in front of me that I’m waving to, that I’m throwing to, you can have a gun, but I cannot on the float.”
The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) states that the proposed bill raises concerns, but urges residents to remain mindful of safety in crowded areas.
“A parade is not really a place to bring a handgun or a firearm, any areas like that that have large populations like that, bringing and introducing firearms to those facilities in those areas can be problematic and it sometimes can be illegal depending on where these events are located,” said Shreveport Police Public Information Officer Corporal Chris Bordelon.
Bordelon says that while the bill may change the policy, they will still enforce the law.
“As law enforcement officers, the thing that we do is enforce the laws that are on the books, and whatever house bill gets before our legislators and whatever gets signed into law is what we will enforce.” Cpl. Chris Bordelon.
The proposal awaits deliberation by the Senate on Sunday, June 8th.
