Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, handed out vetoes for two pieces of legislation that passed through the Kentucky General Assembly, allowing adults under 21 years old to carry concealed firearms with a license and another that would shield gun sellers and manufacturers from civil liability.
Beshear is in his veto period, which lasts 10 days excluding Sundays. Lawmakers passed dozens of pieces of legislation in the days leading up to that period, sending them to his desk for approval. Once that time is up, the Republican-controlled legislature will return for the final two days of the legislative year in mid-April, when they will have the opportunity to override any — if not all — of his vetoes.
House Bill 312 would allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-old Kentuckians to apply for provisional licenses that would require up to eight hours of a firearm safety and training course and a state and federal background check. Lawmakers already passed “constitutional carry,” which allows people 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon without a license or training requirements.
In his veto message, Beshear said he “believes in the Second Amendment” right to bear arms, but minimum age limits are designed to protect young people. He pointed out that Kentuckians under 21 years old can’t rent a car, buy alcohol or tobacco products, or serve as a state lawmaker.
Read the rest at Louisville Public Media.
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