Concealed carry permit holders could bring a gun into a school or university building under legislation heading to the House floor. The controversial measure cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee on a narrow 9-8 vote. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his legislation doesn’t arm teachers, just visitors who have a concealed handgun permit.
Miguez says, "It doesn't deal with the school safety system at all; it strictly deals with self defense."
All Democrats on the panel opposed the measure. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle argued concealed handgun permit holders do not have the same level of training as law enforcement.
Marcelle says, "So they're trying to defend someone, and they start shooting. What about the people who don't want their children shot?"
Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey says allowing non-law enforcement to bring guns into a school will create a disruption.
Posey says, "They don't know that this person has a concealed carry permit, so the proper protocol would be to have a school loxkdown."
Miguez says education groups might oppose this legislation, but responsible gun owners would applaud the passage of this bill.
Miguez says, "Concealed carry permit holders in Louisiana would support this bill because they believe in the right to self defense."