Today, the Louisiana Senate unanimously passed House Bill 186, sponsored by state Representative Cameron Henry (R-Metairie). NRA-supported HB 186 will allow for the use of lawfully-owned suppressors while hunting game animals. In 2011, the state legislature legalized the use of these devices for hunting non-game nuisance quadrupeds. Now Louisiana is poised to join the majority of other states which allow suppressors to be used for taking game. Suppressors help prevent hearing loss, mitigate noise complaints and can increase accuracy for both experienced and novice hunters. Having passed in the state House of Representatives by an 82 to 15 vote on April 4, HB 186 now goes to Governor Bobby Jindal (R) for his expected signature.
Additionally, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 212 today by an 85 to 3 vote. Sponsored by state Senator Rick Ward (R-Port Allen), SB 212 was amended in the House to mirror HB 186. It will now return to the Senate for concurrence in House amendments before being sent to the Governor.
Please take a moment to send a note of thanks to bill sponsors, Representative Henry and Senator Ward, for their leadership and hard work on this issue during this legislative session.