By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
On Tuesday, Kentucky House Bill 312 goes into effect, allowing young adults in the 18-20-year age group apply for a provisional concealed carry license, thanks to a 28-9 veto override after the legislation had been nixed in April by Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear.
WPSD News is reporting that those who obtain provisional licenses can apply for a standard carry license when they turn 21. Under the legislation, the provisional license is “readily distinguishable” from the standard carry license, and the law says holders of provisional licenses will be notified “not less than 90 days” before the provisional license expires, “the Department of Kentucky State Police shall mail to the holder of the provisional license a written notice of the expiration and an application to switch from a provisional license to a standard license.”
When he vetoed the bill, Beshear argued that young adults “cannot rent a car, cannot buy alcohol, cannot buy tobacco products, cannot consume medical cannabis through vapor devices, and cannot be a State Representative or Senator.” However, none of those things is mentioned in the constitution, but the right to keep and bear arms is spelled out.
Kentucky is one of 29 “constitutional carry” states where no permit is required, but as noted by WDRB News, the state “did not have any way for people under 21 to conceal carry.” Those applying for a provisional license must complete the required training.
Efforts to extend full Second Amendment rights to young adults have been underway in several states for the past few years. Rights groups including the Second Amendment Foundation and National Rifle Association have taken legal action against some restrictive state laws.
