New Kentucky Law Allows Concealed Carry Licenses for Ages 18-20

A new Kentucky law will allow some younger adults to obtain a concealed deadly weapon license beginning July 14.

House Bill 312 creates a provisional concealed carry license for Kentuckians ages 18 to 20. While Kentucky law already allows most adults 18 and older to openly carry a firearm, those under 21 previously could not obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed the measure, saying individuals under 21 are prohibited from purchasing alcohol and tobacco products and arguing concealed carry should be treated similarly. He also noted that federal law generally prohibits federally licensed firearm dealers from selling handguns to people under the age of 21.

The Kentucky General Assembly later overrode the governor’s veto. The Senate voted 28-9 to override, following an 81-18 vote in the House, allowing the bill to become law.