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Bill

HB 220

WEAPONS/FIREARMS: Creates the crime of improper storage of a firearm (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mandie Landry and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana bill creating criminal penalties for improper firearm storage failed after receiving 39 supporting votes to 46 opposing votes.

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 39, nays 46. Failed to pass.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 220

Legislative bill overview

HB 220 would establish a new criminal offense in Louisiana for improperly storing firearms, likely requiring gun owners to secure weapons in ways that prevent unauthorized access (particularly by minors or prohibited persons). The bill failed to pass on its final vote, receiving 39 yes votes against 46 no votes in the Louisiana House.

Why is this important

Improper firearm storage is linked to unintentional shootings, child access incidents, and theft of weapons. This bill represents an attempt to balance Second Amendment rights with public safety by imposing storage responsibilities on gun owners, an approach used in several other states with varying degrees of success and controversy.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents may argue that mandatory storage requirements constitute an infringement on gun ownership rights or create compliance burdens for law-abiding owners
  • Enforcement challenges: Questions about how authorities would enforce storage requirements without conducting invasive inspections, and what constitutes "improper" storage
  • Liability and criminal penalties: Disagreement over whether storage violations should carry criminal penalties versus civil liability, and how harsh those penalties should be for negligent versus intentional violations

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

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