A Louisiana bill that expands legal protections for armed security guards is moving forward, sparking debate over safety and accountability during the 2026 legislative session.
State Rep. Josh Carlson is backing House Bill 71, which would extend civil liability protections to trained armed security officers in justified self-defense cases. Current law already shields law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians with concealed carry permits from lawsuits when force is deemed justified. Carlson’s proposal adds private security officers to that list.
What the Bill Does
HB 71 focuses on legal protection after an incident. If law enforcement and a district attorney rule that a shooting was justified, the individual involved cannot face civil lawsuits. Carlson argues that security guards often receive more training than civilians and face real threats on the job.
He points to cases where guards acted in self-defense but still spent years and large sums of money fighting lawsuits. Some companies now struggle to get insurance because of that risk.
Concerns Over Use of Force
Critics worry the bill could encourage more aggressive behavior. They argue that while training covers firearm use, it may not match law enforcement standards for de-escalation and conflict resolution.
There is also concern about split-second decisions. Opponents say a security guard might believe they are justified in the moment, even if investigators later disagree.
What Happens Next
The bill has already passed committee and is expected to reach the House floor soon.
Carlson says the measure does not remove accountability. Every use of force would still face investigation before protections apply. He also notes ongoing efforts to align security training more closely with law enforcement standards.
As Louisiana continues to address public safety and workforce gaps, HB 71 highlights the balance lawmakers must strike between protection and responsibility.