FRANKFORT, Ky. — The age to conceal carry a firearm in Kentucky is 21, with no permit needed; however, some Republicans want to lower the age to carry to 18.
“Nothing in this bill weakens or changes our existing gun purchasing laws," said State Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, who is also the bill's sponsor and a former Navy SEAL. "It simply ensures that those who are already legally allowed to own a firearm are given the same right to carry it responsibly, just as they would at 21."
The age to buy a handgun, according to federal law, is 21. Rifles and shotguns can be bought at 18. Senate Bill 75 would not change that.
“There are several states that have already moved this way,” Reed said. “And those that have, have not seen any change in an uptick of gun violence whatsoever.”
In 2019, Kentucky eliminated the requirement of a permit to conceal carry firearms, and anyone over 18 can open carry weapons.
State Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, who is a former police officer, said he opposes the bill and the rollback of requiring conceal carry permits six years ago.
“To put a gun legally concealed in the hands of someone that age, when we know that 25 is when the brain matures, I see that as irresponsible," Carroll said. "I don't see this as a Second Amendment issue at all. There comes a point when common sense and doing the right thing has to take precedent."
State Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, also said he opposes the proposal.
“I am not going to vote for more guns in the hands of young people to do more harm for this society,” Thomas said.
SB 75 now moves to the full Senate for action.