|
LaFonta’s Bill To Deter Gun Violence At Parades Sails Through Committee
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Rep. Juan LaFonta’s bill to make the “reckless discharge” of a firearm at or near a publicly permitted event punishable by at least five years in jail passed unanimously through the House Criminal Justice Committee this morning, paving the way for safer parades and other public events.
House Bill 44, which now moves to the full House for consideration, would criminalize the reckless discharge or criminally negligent discharge of a firearm along or within 1,000 feet of a parade route or a demonstration march.
“This is not just a New Orleans issue,” said LaFonta (D-96) in his committee testimony. “Houma, Central Louisiana, and North Louisiana are all feeling the effects of gun violence at public events.”
LaFonta’s bill was filed in response to the Mardi Gras shootings on St. Charles Avenue that injured seven people, including a 20-month-old child.
“My family and friends were on St. Charles when the two teenagers started shooting into the crowds,” said LaFonta. “We, as a legislative body, must end the proliferation of gun violence in Louisiana.”
HB44 would deter gun-owners from discharging firearms at parades and public gatherings by imposing a minimum of five years in jail and a maximum of 10 years.
LaFonta, former leader of Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, has filed several bills for the 2009 Regular Session, ranging from contractor accountability to the creation of the Louisiana Board for the Provision of Governmental Services to Latin Americans.
For more information about Representative Juan LaFonta, please visit his website, http://www.juanlafonta.com.
Media Contact: James Hartman, 504.458.4600 or
|
|
