Louisiana bill would protect security guards in justified shootings

Published: April 22, 2026

By: Izzy Wollfarth, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE — Despite the opposition of Black Caucus members, the House advanced a bill 70-28 that would protect licensed armed security guards from civil liability charges if they are proven justified in discharging a firearm.

House Bill 71 by Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, advanced Monday to the Senate with all but three Black Caucus members in opposition. The three other caucus members were absent from the vote.

Carlson said his bill would classify a licensed armed security guard as an “authorized person,” thereby providing protection from civil lawsuits should law enforcement officers and district attorneys deem the guard’s use of a gun as justified.

The “authorized person” classification already includes anyone with a valid concealed handgun permit, active and honorably discharged military members and any authorized law enforcement officer.

Under the bill, if a licensed security guard’s actions are found justifiable in criminal court, the guard and the private security company that employs the guard would not be held liable for civil damages.