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Movie theater metal detector mandate fails to win support
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BATON ROUGE- A bill requiring metal detectors in Louisiana movie theaters failed in committee Wednesday at the Capitol. It aimed at curbing tragedies similar to the 2015 Lafayette theater shooting where two women died.
Theater employees wielding hand-held metal detectors would have been required to check every movie-goer for weapons. The bill's sponsor Rep. Barbara Norton (D-Shreveport) wanted to fine theaters $500 to $1000 a day non-compliance.
An amendment was added to exempt concealed weapon permit holders, but the bill was quickly put up for involuntary deferment by Rep. Tony Bacala (R-Prairieville). He argued theater employees lack proper training and shouldn't be forced into a dangerous situation.
The House Criminal Justice Committee killed the bill by one vote. Some members were missing and Norton vowed to bring it back.
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