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Bill Summary · HB 312

Summary of HB 312 (2026RS) — Kentucky

Purpose and intent

  • The bill relates to concealed firearms and deadly weapons in Kentucky.
  • It introduces a new category of licenses (provisional licenses) for carrying concealed weapons for individuals aged 18 to under 21.
  • It also makes conforming amendments to allow 18-year-olds to carry concealed weapons by adjusting related statutes.

Key provisions and changes

1) Creation of provisional licenses for 18–20-year-olds

  • A new section of KRS Chapter 237 creates “provisional licenses” to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons.
  • Eligibility: persons age 18 through 20 who otherwise meet the criteria of KRS 237.110(3) and (4) (same basic qualifications as standard licenses, with adjusted age).
  • Scope and validity:
    • Provisional licenses are valid throughout the Commonwealth and allow carrying concealed firearms or other deadly weapons, on or about the person, and carrying ammunition.
    • They remain valid until the holder turns 21, unless revoked or suspended.
    • Provisional licenses are distinguishable from standard licenses.

2) Relationship to standard licenses

  • Provisional licensing is governed by the same general framework as standard licenses (KRS 237.110), with specific provisions tailored for provisional status.
  • References to licenses issued under KRS 237.110 are also treated as references to provisional licenses for purposes of this section.

3) Transition from provisional to standard license

  • At least 90 days before expiration of a provisional license, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) must mail a notice to the holder with an application to switch to a standard license.
  • The notice process:
    • Mailout date and format requirements ensure privacy on the envelope (no sensitive information visible on the outside).
  • Application process to switch:
    • Can be filed with the county sheriff or electronically with the KSP.
    • Must show continued eligibility under KRS 237.110(3) and (4) and pay the required fee.
  • Processing and issuance:
    • The sheriff issues a receipt for a paper application; KSP issues a receipt for an electronic application.
    • A standard license is issued upon: completed application, a records check, confirmation of eligibility, and payment of fees.
    • Upon issuance of the standard license, the provisional license is destroyed by the sheriff.
  • Timing rules:
    • A standard license issued under this provision cannot be valid until the holder is 21 years old.
    • Provisional licensees applying for a standard license do not have to retake the firearms training required for standard licenses under KRS 237.110(4).
  • If a provisional license expires:
    • It becomes void and can only be surrendered in exchange for a standard license.

4) Administrative regulations

  • KSP may promulgate necessary regulations to administer this new provisional-licensing section.

5) Authority and related duties

  • The amendment includes language to align with the broader framework of concealed carry permitting and the duties of the KSP and local sheriffs.

6) Optional statutory addition (amendment)

  • An amendment proposed (House Amendment) would require the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to submit an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1 each year.
  • The report would cover fatal and nonfatal gun-related incidents resulting from concealed carry, for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Individuals aged 18–20 who seek to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons.
  • Local government entities:
    • Sheriffs (issue provisional-to-standard license transitions and issue standard licenses when eligible).
    • The Kentucky State Police (administers provisional licenses, oversees application processing, and can promulgate regulations).
  • Potential fiscal impacts primarily fall on local governments (sheriffs and jails) due to licensing processes and enforcement, with possible minor savings or costs related to enforcement and administration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Provisional licenses are valid until the holder turns 21, barring revocation.
  • Not less than 90 days before provisional license expiration, the holder receives notice and an option to switch to a standard license.
  • The switch requires:
    • Submission of an application (paper via sheriff or electronic via KSP),
    • Verification of continued eligibility,
    • Payment of fees.
  • The standard license (upon issuance) requires the holder to be at least 21; provisional holders must transition but do not need to retake training.
  • If not transitioned within six months of provisional expiration, the holder must apply under the standard license framework.
  • An annual reporting requirement would be added (via the amendment) to track gun-related incidents tied to concealed carry.

Notable considerations

  • This bill effectively lowers the minimum age to carry concealed weapons from 21 to 18 for new license eligibility, via provisional licenses.
  • It creates administrative workflows to transition young provisional licensees to standard licenses at age 21.
  • The accompanying amendment to require annual reporting on gun-related incidents introduces a transparency and oversight element for fatalities and nonfatal injuries related to concealed carry.

Note: The bill status in the provided history shows a veto event followed by an override, with final legislative actions indicating passage through both chambers and enactment steps completed.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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