What an exciting time it is to be a conservative in the Louisiana legislature.

Governor Jeff Landry has already called a second extraordinary session for 2024 and we will be focusing on crime prevention. I’m excited to announce that this opens the door for my Constitutional Carry bill, HB12, and it has been filed! Our new Governor is making it possible to pass Constitutional Carry even sooner than expected.

For far too long, law-abiding citizens have been denied full benefit of the Second Amendment. Granted to us by God and preserved in the Constitution, our rights should never be ignored or restricted. The protection of our basic freedoms should always remain a priority, but unfortunately that is not what we see happening across America. That’s why I made a promise to the people that I would fight for Constitutional Carry and have done so faithfully for several years.

After former Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto in 2021, we watched our rights wither away once again under his heavy hand. But it appears that the right to keep and bear arms in Louisiana may be restored under Governor Landry.

Right now, according to present state law, you can open carry without a permit. But if the day turns cool and you toss a jacket on, you can quickly become a criminal just for accidentally covering your firearm. It’s clearer now than ever before that we need a little more common sense and lot less red tape.

Statistics preserve the truth so that rhetoric cannot win. According to the data, current Constitutional Carry states have proven that their citizens are less likely to become victims of criminal activity. Our families deserve that same protection.

Twenty-seven (27) states have passed Constitutional Carry – including every state that touches Louisiana! We are surrounded by freedom and ready to join the party. I’ll take a chance and celebrate early. Thank you Governor Landry for your leadership. Thank you to the citizens of Louisiana for not giving up on this fight.

Freedom lies in being bold, and we will soon taste victory!

Danny McCormick, a member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, is a state representative from Caddo Parish.