New Louisiana Proposal Would Let Students, Professors Carry on Campus

(KNGT-FM) - In today's world, guns can, at times, be a controversial topic. A new bill in Louisiana could soon allow college students and professors to bring firearms onto public campuses. We've got everything you need to know on this...

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11 States Already Allow Campus Carry, Could Louisiana Be Next?

Per the Campus Safety Magazine, 11 states already have laws that allow some type of concealed carry on public college campuses. Those states include Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

In most of these states, people must have a valid concealed carry permit. However, the exact rules can be different in each state, especially when it comes to dorm rooms or certain campus buildings where guns may still be restricted.

Louisiana State Representative Danny McCormick wants Louisiana to be added to that list.

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What House Bill 99 Would Change for Louisiana Colleges

McCormick has pre-filed House Bill 99, which would let college students and professors carry guns on certain public college campuses. It would also apply to some private colleges that receive state funding.

What the Bill Would Do

Rep. McCormick says the bill would only allow people who can legally carry a gun off campus to carry one on campus. That means anyone with a criminal record would not be allowed. Here's what McCormick had to say via WAFB...

“This only applies to law-abiding citizens,” McCormick said. He believes people have a right to protect themselves. He says the goal is to make public spaces, including schools, safer.

McCormick has worked on gun laws before. In 2024, Louisiana passed a law allowing many adults to carry a gun without a permit. He hopes this new bill could follow a similar path.

The big question now: Should college students and professors be allowed to carry guns on campus? Right now, it is not clear if the bill will pass. Lawmakers will begin debating new bills when the session starts on March 9.