Committee hears bill to let concealed‑carry permit holders carry across HOA common areas

State Representative Bridal Sites told the House General Laws Committee that House Bill 1415 would prevent homeowners associations, condominium master associations and other common‑interest communities from using private rules to stop individuals with valid concealed‑carry permits from carrying firearms while traversing limited common elements, parking lots and ingress/egress routes.

"We should not allow private boards and committees to take away the right to carry on sidewalks, in parking lots, and access hallways to private property and limited common areas that are for the enjoyment of the homeowner," Representative Bridal Sites said in opening remarks, describing a constituent who is a licensed firearms instructor who says association rules prevented him from carrying from his unit to his vehicle.

Committee members questioned the bill's breadth and its interaction with contract rights and HOA governance. Representative Engel noted that residents typically agree to HOA rules as part of their housing contract and that associations can, under contract law, deactivate access to shared amenities for rule violations. Engel urged narrowing the bill to avoid unintended consequences for large, membership‑run associations.

Several members asked whether the bill would allow permit holders to carry in high‑use common areas such as pools, tennis courts, clubhouses or trails. Representative Sites said the bill was intended to allow "natural egress," for example, carrying from a home to a car or along a sidewalk, and that the statutory text requires a valid concealed‑carry permit. Representative Tietzson and Representative Dean suggested middle‑ground language that would preserve concealed carry for transportation while prohibiting carry that is openly displayed or left unattended in recreational settings.

Members and witnesses offered competing views during public testimony. Arnie C. ACDinos, identifying himself as state public advocate, testified in support and said HOA restrictions on deeded access are improper. Multiple witnesses who identified themselves as supporters urged passage; one committee member read concerns that the presence of concealed weapons in crowded common areas could alarm other residents and complicate emergency response.

No vote was taken. Representatives said they would consider narrower drafting options, including language that would require permitted carriers to keep weapons concealed while moving between private residences and vehicles and to prohibit display or leaving a firearm unattended in recreational areas.

Ending: Sponsors said the bill is intended as a narrow protection for licensees carrying between private residences and vehicles; committee members asked for clearer limits around recreational facilities and shared amenities. The bill remains in committee while sponsors and staff consider drafting amendments.