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Judiciary committee advances bill to lower concealed-carry age from 21 to 18
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee reported Senate Bill 75 favorably after testimony for and against lowering Kentucky—s concealed-carry age to 18, with public witnesses and several senators outlining concerns about youth training and public safety.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted to report Senate Bill 75 favorably, a measure that would lower Kentucky—s concealed-carry age from 21 to 18.
Senator Aaron Reed, the bill—s sponsor, told the committee the bill —seeks to restore equality for all legal adults in Kentucky by lowering the concealed carry age from 21 to 18 years old.— He argued 18-year-olds are adults under state and federal law and should have the same right to carry for self-defense.
The bill drew supporters who said the change would align concealed-carry rules with other adult responsibilities. Taylor McKee of the National Rifle Association said: —Young adults 18 to 20 are among the people protected by the Second Amendment, and they should not be barred or discriminated against from carrying firearms for self defense.— McKee also told the committee that federal purchase rules and background checks would remain unchanged.
Public witnesses opposed the measure. Kathy Hobart, who identified herself as a mother and a volunteer in gun-violence prevention, cited adolescent brain development and warned that —the young people in the age group 18 to 20 do not have the developmental capacity to carry a gun without any training.— Chuck Eddy of Lexington said guns were —the number one killer of children— and urged senators to vote no.
Committee debate included legal and policy points. Senator Thomas said the Fifth Circuit decision cited by supporters did not require states to permit concealed carry for 18- to 20-year-olds and emphasized the committee sits in the Sixth Circuit, not the Fifth. Senator Deneen said she would support the bill but wanted to explore adding a training requirement for 18-year-old concealed carriers.
After debate, the committee took a roll-call vote. The motion to report the bill was moved by Senator Wheeler and seconded by President Stivers. The roll call produced seven ayes and two no votes; Chair Storm announced, —Aye. Senate bill 75 is reported favorably with the expression of opinion.— The bill will proceed to the full Senate.
Votes at the committee included several senators who offered explanations for their votes during the roll call. No floor amendments were decided in committee; sponsors and members discussed possible training language and legal questions that could be addressed later.
The bill was framed in committee as restoring parity in adult rights and as a public-safety matter by supporters; opponents focused on training, adolescent development, and community safety. The transcript shows the panel agreed to advance the bill while several members signaled interest in further changes on the floor.
