Louisiana Legislature Approves Bulletproof Backpacks

Louisiana lawmakers are trying to find another way to protect schoolchildren in the event of any active shooter threats on campus. The Legislature earlier this month voted to allowstudents to wear bulletproof backpacks on campus and at school-sanctioned activities.

The bill is written as an exemption to state law that bans the wearing of body armor by students. Bulletproof backpacks can be sold either as a complete backpack or as an insert that can fit into an existing backpack.

One of a dozen gun bills filed this year, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards is expected to sign the measure. Proponents intend it as a way to give students an added measure of protection should there ever be a school shooting.

The bill earned overwhelming support in both houses, with an 82-6 vote in the House and a 25-1 tally in the Senate.