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HB 195

COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES: Prohibits, with exceptions, a public postsecondary education institution from prohibiting a student from possessing self-defense chemical spray on campus

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham

Louisiana bill permits public college students to carry self-defense chemical spray on campus, overriding institutional prohibitions with unspecified exceptions.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 195

Legislative bill overview

HB 195 would allow students at Louisiana public colleges and universities to carry self-defense chemical spray (pepper spray) on campus, reversing current prohibitions. The bill includes unspecified exceptions, meaning certain locations or circumstances could still restrict possession.

Why is this important

Campus safety is a genuine concern for students and families, and self-defense tools are one approach some believe addresses personal security. However, this directly conflicts with institutional safety policies that many schools have established, potentially creating liability questions and enforcement challenges for universities.

Potential points of contention

  • Campus safety trade-offs: Allowing chemical spray on campuses could increase accidental deployment, contamination of shared spaces, or escalation of conflicts, versus intended self-defense benefits
  • Undefined exceptions create ambiguity: The bill's mention of "exceptions" is vague—unclear which campus areas (dorms, classrooms, sporting events) would remain prohibited, making compliance difficult
  • Liability and institutional authority: Conflicts between state law mandating permission and universities' legal responsibility for campus safety and their ability to establish security protocols

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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