Louisiana lawmakers act on concealed carry, medical marijuana, transgender athletes | National News

(The middle place) – The Louisiana House voted overwhelmingly to allow citizens to carry a hidden firearm without permission or training.

The bill was passed by the House and Senate, although the Senate will now review House changes. Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who generally supports gun rights, rejects the bill.

Senate Bill 118 from Senator Jay Morris, a Republican from West Monroe, would apply to adults who are 21 years or older and have not been convicted of a crime or a violent crime. His bill also prohibits carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Undercover hauliers would still have to disclose that they had a weapon and, at the request of law enforcement, submit to a search that would have the right to disarm the hauliers.

Proponents of the change argue that law-abiding citizens have a constitutional right to hold concealed weapons unless there is compelling reason to prevent them. Opponents argue that the requirement of training and permission to carry a concealed firearm is adequate protection for the public that falls under the second amendment requirement for a “well-regulated militia”.

In other legislative measures Thursday:

• The Louisiana Senate agreed to allow patients with medical advice to smoke marijuana on medical grounds.

Medical cannabis is legal in Louisiana, but smoking the raw plant is not part of the medical marijuana program. While most states have legalized medical cannabis, Louisiana and Minnesota do not allow smokable marijuana, according to Rep. Tanner Magee, the Houma Republican who drafted House Bill 391.

Patients would be limited to 2.5 ounces every 14 days. The change would take effect on January 1st.

The vote in the Senate for the final adoption took place between 23 and 14 after the acceptance of technical changes. The invoice is returned to the house for approval of the changes.

Magees House Bill 514 would use tax revenue from medical marijuana sales for road construction, early childhood education, and legal services for defendants who cannot afford to hire lawyers. The entire Senate approved this bill on Wednesday, but not before picking up a hitchhiker in the form of a permanent extension of a temporary sales tax, which resulted in the bill being sent to the Senate Finance Committee for hearing on the change.

• The House voted 78-17 for Senate Draft 156 to prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. The number of votes in both houses would be enough to override Edwards’ expected veto.

Supporters formulate the bill, which is similar to others being passed or considered nationwide to protect “biological girls” from unfair competition.

“Biological men are faster, stronger, and taller,” said Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Jefferson. “Let’s protect our girls.”

Opponents said they were concerned about the further marginalization of youth who are already at increased risk of suicide. Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, said it could open the door to abusive adults who would see it as permission to “verify” an athlete’s gender.

“This is a discriminatory bill,” said Rep. Aimee Freeman, also a New Orleans Democrat. “It discriminates against our most vulnerable children.”

• The House Education Committee put forward Senate Bill 60 without objection, which aims to enable college athletes to make “fair market” money with their name, image and likeness without losing their eligibility. Among other things, schools and boosters would be prohibited from using the remuneration as a recruiting tool or as direct payment for participating in a sport.

Senator Patrick Connick, the Marrero Republican who drafted the bill, said 15 states have passed similar laws and many others are considering it.

While top athletes in high-profile sports like soccer and men’s basketball could likely benefit, Jim Henderson, who runs the University of Louisiana system, said the change would also create opportunities for athletes in other college sports who have limited time slots to benefit from theirs Ways to benefit from exposure.

“This is a bill that deals with college students,” he said.