Lawmaker proposes allowing carrying of guns on college campuses

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A Louisiana lawmaker wants to allow some people to have guns at universities.

The lawmaker, Republican Rep. Danny McCormick, has authored HB99. The bill proposes allowing the carrying of guns on some campuses by anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm.

Previous bills to allow guns on campuses failed to get approved during past legislative sessions. However, state lawmakers have managed to pass a permitless concealed carry law, which took effect in July of 2024.

According to the text of McCormick’s bill, it would apply to public colleges and universities and privately or independently owned and operated post-secondary institutions that receive state funding.

If the proposal becomes law, there would be some restrictions.

The bill states that guns would not be allowed inside active disciplinary or administrative hearings, medical or mental health treatment centers operated by a college or university, and locations where firearms are restricted under federal law. In addition, firearms would also not be allowed at some events with security screenings or controlled access.

According to the text of the bill, its intent is “to affirm that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 11 of the Constitution of Louisiana.”

For a link to read HB99, click here.

The 2026 Regular Legislative Session in Louisiana is set to convene at noon on Monday, March 9. Final adjournment must take place no later than 6 p.m. on Monday, June 1.

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