Louisiana CCW Bill Including Most Knives Signed

Louisiana HB 124, supported by Knife Rights, has been signed by Governor Edwards, providing for carrying any “instrumentality customarily used or intended for use as a dangerous weapon” as long as the carrier has a concealed handgun permit. This would include knives, except, unfortunately, switchblades.

The law does not go into effect until August 1, 2021.

In 2018 Knife Rights repealed Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades, but to get it passed, we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife is not “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” Unfortunately, HB 124 does NOT remove that specific restriction. Concealed carry of a switchblade (automatic knife) remains illegal in Louisiana, even for concealed handgun permittees.

While requiring a CCW to carry a knife concealed is not optimal, we supported this effort as an incremental improvement in Louisiana law. Our ultimate commonsense goal is always to remove any restrictions to carry any knife by law-abiding persons, period.

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our good friend Dan Zelenka from the Louisiana Shooting Association in gaining passage of HB 124. It’s a step in the right direction.