MUST KNOW for Concealed Carry in Louisiana Churches
The video above and below information is now outdated. Subsection U was repealed in 2020. Please see the updated information at: https://bearcotraining.com/concealed-carry-in-louisiana-churches-understanding-the-current-law-2020/
With an increase in violence in churches, I’m getting more and more inquiries about church security teams and concealed carry in churches. Please note that this video is only discussing the requirements under our permit law, but a security plan is so much more than letting someone carry a gun. Please reach out to us for help or training.
Our statute in LA that covers the concealed handgun permit is:
LA R.S. 40:1379.3
http://www.legis.state.la.us/Legis/La…
Subsection U covers the church’s authority to allow certain people to carry concealed.
U.(1) The entity which owns the business or has authority over the administration of a church, synagogue, or mosque shall have the authority to authorize any person issued a valid concealed handgun permit as authorized by the provisions of this Section to carry a concealed handgun in the church, synagogue, or mosque.
(2) The provisions of this Subsection shall not be construed to limit or prohibit any church, synagogue, or mosque from employing armed security guards who are either certified law enforcement officers or who are authorized to carry concealed handguns pursuant to the provisions of this Section.
(3) If the church, synagogue, or mosque authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns as authorized by the provisions of this Subsection, the pastor, priest, minister, or other authority of the church, synagogue, or mosque shall inform the congregation of the authorization.
(4) The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed handgun in a church, synagogue, or mosque located on the property of any school or school property, which would otherwise be prohibited by the provisions of R.S. 14:95.2.
(5) Any church, synagogue, or mosque authorizing the carrying of concealed handguns pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall require an additional eight hour tactical training for those persons wishing to carry concealed handguns in the church, synagogue, or mosque. The training shall be conducted annually.