Senate approves training and certification standards for concealed‑carry instructors, debates fees and live‑fire requirement

The Senate debated third substitute House Bill 372, which sets minimum requirements for concealed‑weapons permit instructors and standardizes course materials and certification processes.

Senator Wadhams explained the bill’s framework — course outlines, instructor certification, and a division review process — and said the measure covers instructor eligibility and the division’s authority to revoke certification. Senator Hall proposed raising fees for out‑of‑state applicants to cover the Bureau of Criminal Identification investigative cost (BCI estimated about $62). "We should be fair with those people within our state, but in no way … do I believe the law would permit us to be a clearing house for subsidizing people from other states," Hall said, proposing a $60 application fee for nonresidents and $25 for nonresident renewals.

Senators also debated an amendment to require students to fire ten rounds at a lifesize target 15 feet away as part of training. Opponents raised concerns about the number and accessibility of ranges statewide and lack of handicap access; proponents said many instructors already provide firing exercises, and hunter‑safety courses show the live‑fire requirement is feasible for many learners.

Outcome: The floor voted on amendment efforts and procedural motions; the third substitute was accepted and the bill was placed on the third reading calendar (19 yeas, 10 nays). The Senate discussed the need to address range accessibility and handicapped access separately during the interim.