Governor Jeff Landry signed the conceal carry bill (Senate Bill 1)  into a law Tuesday, which means law-abiding citizens that are 18 and older will be allowed to carry a concealed weapon lawfully without a permit or training from a certified concealed carry instructor.

(KLFY)-- Multiple law enforcement agencies around Acadiana have responded to the recently approved permitless conceal carry law with some even looking to educate those who choose to practice it. 

Governor Jeff Landry signed the conceal carry bill (Senate Bill 1)  into a law Tuesday, which means law-abiding citizens that are 18 and older will be allowed to carry a concealed weapon lawfully without a permit or training from a certified concealed carry instructor. Written by State Senator Blake Miguez R-New Iberia, Senate Bill 1 was passed by the House during the 2024 Second Extraordinary Legislative Session. 

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office wanted to remind people the current law which still says a permit is needed for conceal carry will remain in place and will be enforced until the new permitless concealed carry law goes into effect on July 4. Those who are discovered carrying a concealed weapon before the new law is effective will be in violation of Louisiana law, according to the sheriff’s office. 

With hopes of informing the public so people do not put themselves in a position to be legally charged, law enforcement officials wanted to spread some information and clarification pertaining to the new law.

Although the law will soon go into effect, there are some places where conceal carry will not be permitted, according to the Church Point Police Department. Those places include: 

• Any property that prohibits firearms under federal or state law
• Police or sheriff's departments 
• Courthouses and courtrooms (town courts, city courts, parish courts, etc.)
• Places of worship (unless authorized as part of a church security detail)
• Airports
• The Louisiana Capitol
• Meeting places that are part of a political subdivision of government (city council meetings, police jury meetings, etc.)
• School campus, school bus or within 1,000 feet of school property
• Detention centers or jails
• Places with a Class A General retail which allows to sell and consume alcohol on site (bars, events, festivals, etc.)

Authorities wanted to emphasize that during situations involving officers such as a traffic stop or investigation, those who chose to conceal carry must verbally inform the officers so they are aware. Those conceal carrying should not try to grab for their firearm in those instances. 

Law agencies also stressed for people to lawfully use the firearm to ensure no criminal acts are being committed. In order to avoid a dangerous incident, people should educate themselves on the weapon and the skills needed to safely operate it. Although it is not required, those who have never used a firearm or may not feel the most comfortable should think about taking a class or seeking training, according to authorities. 

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting a free one-day concealed carry class on Saturday, March 16. The class will be the first step individuals would take in order to receive their concealed carry permit, and after, a packet of information from the state of Louisiana needs to be completed and submitted to the state. 

The class is for St. Martin Parish residents who are 21 and older, and there’s a limit of ten people for each class. The class starts at 8 a.m. at the SMPSO Firearm Training Center located at 1381 Francois Road in St. Martinville, and interested residents must register on the SMPSO website. Participants are asked to bring: 

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• 50 rounds of ammunition
• Any snacks or drinks

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