Child-access prevention bill stalls after emotional testimony and split committee vote

Representative Cox returned with a revised version of House Bill 5 86, a child-access-prevention (CAP) measure narrowed after prior floor concerns. The bill would create a crime when a minor gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and would prescribe specified safe-storage compliance methods and exemptions (sporting/hunting, self-defense, and other enumerated exceptions). The author said the measure is a child-safety bill and that comparable laws exist in other states.

Physicians, suicide-prevention counselors and survivors offered emotional testimony. Dr. Jillian Plouffe, a pediatric neurosurgeon, described the catastrophic, often irreversible injuries she treats and said CAP laws have evidence of reducing unintentional firearm injuries and suicides among children. Survivor Ashlyn Carraway described the 13-year-old death of her son and said there was no legal avenue to hold adults accountable where guns were left unsecured.

Opponents including the Louisiana Shooting Association and the NRA argued the statutory standard ("knew or reasonably should have known") is vague, could criminalize parents after tragedies, and may conflict with constitutional protections or lawful self-defense. The NRA and industry witnesses also argued the bill's safe-storage prescriptions would impair a homeowner's ability to use a firearm for immediate self-defense and raised constitutional concerns citing DC v. Heller.

Representative Cox asked for a favorable report; Representative Fontenot objected and forced a roll call. The committee vote was yeas 3, nays 6, so the motion failed. Members said they were sympathetic to victims but split on whether the proposed criminal standard and exceptions struck the correct balance and on constitutional exposure; some urged further negotiation and outreach to stakeholders before reintroduction or another committee vote.