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HB 328

WEAPONS/FIREARMS: Prohibits the carrying of firearms in college or university dormitories

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Denise Marcelle

HB 328 tightens dorm firearm policy by removing dormitory possession as an exception, allowing firearms only for class transport or authorized activities, not in rooms.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
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Bill Summary · HB 328

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Bill: HB 328
  • Session: 2026
  • Purpose: Prohibit carrying firearms in college or university dormitories, with specific exceptions for certain activities or circumstances. Clarifies where possession is not allowed even if it would otherwise be exempted.

Main goal

To strengthen restrictions on firearms in dormitory settings for college and university students, by removing dormitory possession from existing exceptions to the general prohibition on carrying firearms on school property or at school-sponsored functions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Maintains the existing offense: Carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon by a student or nonstudent on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or in a firearm-free zone, with penalties as provided by current law.

  • Adds exceptions to the offense (existing framework retained but with dormitory possession removed as a safe location):

    1. A student carrying a firearm to or from a class that requires use of the firearm in the class. The firearm may be transported to/from class, but shall not be possessed in the dormitory room.
    2. A student enrolled in or participating in an activity requiring the use of a firearm (e.g., ROTC) under university authorization. The firearm may be possessed for the activity, but shall not be possessed in the dormitory room.
    3. A student who possesses a firearm in his dormitory room or while going to or from his vehicle or with permission of the administration. Under HB 328, this third category would be eliminated as a permissible possession location in the dormitory context, effectively ending dormitory possession as a lawful exception.

  • Specific changes to language:

    • Section 95.2(C) (introductory paragraph) and (6)-(8) amended and reenacted.
    • Explicitly states that possession in the dormitory room is not permitted as an exception for the scenarios described in (6)-(8).

Who/what is affected

  • Persons: College and university students and nonstudents on campus.
  • Locations: College/university campuses, dormitories, classrooms, and activities requiring firearms (e.g., ROTC).
  • Activities: Classes requiring firearms, and authorized campus activities involving firearms.
  • Administrative permission: Possession may still occur in dormitory rooms only where explicitly permitted by administration under prior rule, but HB 328 would remove dormitory possession as an exception, reducing permissive locations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Amends and reenacts R.S. 14:95.2(C)(introductory paragraph) and (6)-(8).
  • Effective date not specified in the provided text; standard legislative process suggests it would take effect upon enactment following the usual gubernatorial signing or override process.
  • Status: As of the latest action (May 19, 2026), the measure was involuntarily deferred in committee, indicating it has not yet progressed to a floor vote.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Clarity and consistency: Aligns dormitory policy with the broader prohibition by removing dormitory possession as a permissible exception, potentially reducing on-site firearm presence in living spaces.
  • Campus safety: Aims to reduce firearm access in dormitories, which may affect safety protocols, residence life policies, and student compliance.
  • Compliance burden: Institutions may need to update dormitory and campus safety policies, signage, and student education materials.
  • Enforcement: Law enforcement and campus security would reference the updated statute to determine compliance and penalties.

Summary

HB 328 reinforces the prohibition on carrying firearms in college or university dormitories by removing the dormitory room from the list of permissible exceptions to the general offense. While it preserves existing exceptions for transporting firearms to classes and for university-authorized activities, possession within dormitory rooms would no longer be allowed under these exceptions. The bill seeks to limit on-campus firearm possession in living spaces, potentially enhancing dorm safety, and would require administrative and campus policing updates if enacted.

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

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