Senate fails to override veto of bill allowing concealed guns without permit

In an unprecedented veto-override session Tuesday, the Louisiana Senate failed to override the governor’s veto of a bill that allows residents to carry concealed guns without any permits or training — a policy referred to as “constitutional carry.” 

Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris (R-West Monroe), received overwhelming support in the Senate with a vote of 23-15 — but less than the required two-thirds for an override.

The legislation would have provided an exception to the criminal statute of illegal carrying of weapons and amended Louisiana’s concealed carry permit law by repealing the requirement that residents pass a nine-hour course with live-fire training and apply for the permit in order to carry a concealed gun. 

The law would have applied to anyone 21 and older with no felony convictions or other such restrictions.

Gov. John Bel Edwards — who ran on a pro-gun platform — said polling indicates the majority of Louisiana residents don’t want people to be able to carry a concealed gun without training. Edwards also said that numerous law enforcement leaders in the state are opposed to the bill. The governor is the son and brother of sheriffs and has a close relationship with the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association. 

The bill was popular with lawmakers though and followed a trend of state legislatures across the country who pushed similar bills with the backing of gun-rights lobby groups such as the National Rifle Association and their state-level affiliates such as the Louisiana Shooting Association.

It’s not clear whether the Senate and House get one vote for an override — or multiple votes over the scheduled five-day session.  

During its initial passage in June, the House voted for it 73-28 and the Senate voted for it 27-9 — above the required two-thirds. Republicans and a handful of Democrats in both chambers supported the legislation, but some of those Senators changed their positions on Tuesday. Those included Sen. Gary Smith (D-Norco), Sen. Patrick Connick (R-Marrero), Sen. Louie Bernard (R-Natchitoches), Sen. Franklin Foil (R-Baton Rouge) and Sen. Greg Tarver (D-Shreveport).