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Louisiana House rejects child-access prevention bill for firearm storage after hourslong debate
Summary
A proposal to create a misdemeanor for unsecured, loaded firearms accessible to children failed in the House after extended debate over scope, exemptions and enforcement. The measure, HB220 by Rep. Alan Willard, drew amendments narrowing coverage and a named dedication but was defeated 39-46 on a final passage motion.
BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana House of Representatives voted down a proposed law that would penalize adults whose loaded firearms were accessible to minors and then used in public or to harm someone. Representative Alan Willard introduced House Bill 220 as a child-safety measure aimed at reducing accidental shootings by minors. The final motion to pass the bill failed 39-46.
Willard said the measure was narrowly targeted and would not “impede anybody’s ability to carry their firearm,” but would “implement what is known as a child access prevention law,” adding that Louisiana had “the highest rate of unintentional shootings by children.” He told colleagues the bill combined education, tax incentives and a legal backstop to reduce those incidents.
Supporters framed the bill as a public-safety and child-protection law. Representative John…
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