Easy concealable pistols like this SIG SAUER P938 9mm are very popular with concealed carry supporters
Photo: Wildcat Pawn & Gun, London, Ky.
FRANKFORT, KY—Kentucky would become the 16th state to allow permitless concealed carry of firearms under a bill that last Friday moved a step closer to becoming law .
Senate Bill 150, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard (Pictured right) , advanced on Friday March 1, 2019 on a 60-37 vote in the House. Should it become law, SB 150 would allow Kentuckians age 21 and older who are legally eligible possess a firearm for permitless carry anywhere that those with a concealed carry license are allowed to possess a firearm. Permitless carry would not be allowed where prohibited by federal law or otherwise prohibited.
Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge (Pictured left) , presented SB 150 for a House vote. She told her House colleagues that SB 150 would create “parity” between open carry and concealed carry for those who are legally eligible to carry a firearm.
“All persons who wish to carry firearms should be knowledgeable of responsible handling practices and the legal guidelines within KRS (Kentucky Revised Statutes),” Maddox said. “But it is not the role of state government to require training or collect recurrent fees in order for a law abiding citizen to exercise his or her Second Amendment right.”
While SB 150 would allow Kentuckians to carry concealed firearms without a license, it would not abolish concealed carry licensing in Kentucky for those who wish to pursue it, Maddox said.
Among those voting against the bill was House Minority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, who said the bill removes the training requirement for carrying a concealed firearm by removing the licensing requirement. Currently, persons applying for a concealed carry license in Kentucky must successfully complete a firearms safety or training course.
“We’re taking out a very, very important part in my opinion, not only for gun owners but the public and our law enforcement officers who have dangerous jobs every day, who have expressed concern with this bill,” said Adkins.
Among the supporters of SB 150 was Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville. A retired Kentucky State Police Major, Blanton challenged some lawmakers’ assertions that permitless carry endangers the lives of law enforcement.
SB 150 now returns to the Senate, where it passed that chamber by a vote of 29-8 on Feb. 14.
Photo of firearm courtesy of: Wildcat Pawn & Gun
Related Article: Concealed carry legislation advances in Senate
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