Ivey Gun Bill Gets OK

Rep. Barry Ivey Sworn in, Scores Early Victory on First Major Bill

by Woody Jenkins, Editor

BATON ROUGE — Barry Ivey was sworn in as Central’s new state representative on Monday, April 6 to the applause of his colleagues in the Louisiana House of Representatives.  Then, just a week later, he did what few freshman lawmakers do — he passed a major bill out of committee.

The bill, House Bill 265, would allow Louisianians to purchase a concealed carry permit that would be valid for life.  The state’s concealed carry law allows citizens with a clean record who complete a training course to carry firearms concealed on their persons.  However, current law limits those permits to five years.

The House Committee on Criminal Justice approved the bill 10-4.  It is expected to pass on the House floor.  The vote was a sweet victory for Ivey, who made opposition to gun control a centerpiece of his victory in a special election March 2.  He replaced Rep. Clif Richardson who resigned for health reasons.