Bill to Protect Gun Rights Receives Final Approval from Legislature

Statement

A bill to protect gun rights in Louisiana received final approval from the Louisiana Legislature today, putting a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot this fall for voters to approve that if passed will give Louisiana one of the country's strongest Second Amendment protections. State Senator Neil Riser sponsored SB 303 and the bill is part of the Governor's 2012 legislative package.

Governor Jindal said, "We are adopting the strongest, most iron-clad, constitutional protection for law-abiding gun owners. It's our own Second Amendment, if you will, and I look forward to voting for this amendment in the fall."

State Senator Riser said, "Today's vote was a major victory for the citizens of Louisiana as we move closer to protecting a fundamental right given to us by our founding fathers."

State Representative Chris Broadwater, who sponsored the bill on the House floor, said, "This is an important statement about how we in Louisiana value freedom and fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Constitution."

If passed by the voters, the Louisiana Constitution will read: "The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny."

Source