NEW ORLEANS (WWL) — As expected, Mayor Mitch Landrieu signed a safety ordinance Monday, strengthening gun laws in the city.
The City Council unanimously passed the measure, which requires gun owners to report when their weapons are lost or stolen within 48 hours.
If the gun is not reported stolen, first offenders will receive a $250 fine and subsequent offenders will receive a $500 fine.
Officials said the ordinance aims to reduce the number of guns in the city that end up in the hands of criminals.
The ordinance also places new restrictions on those convicted of domestic violence, keeping them from purchasing a gun. It also outlaws possession of a firearm without a serial number.
It also makes all NORDC (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission) facilities gun-free zones. Violation of this ordinance carries a $500 fine or six months in jail.
“Public safety is our top priority, and in order to keep our citizens safe, we must do everything we can to promote gun safety and reduce gun violence on our streets and in our community,” said Mayor Landrieu.
Officials said the ordinance should help NOPD keep a record of guns that have been reported stolen or lost and where they originated from.