KentuckyLaw provides concealed weapon licenses for eligible adults ages 18–20
The law directs Kentucky State Police to issue provisional concealed weapon licenses to adults ages 18–20 who meet the other state licensing requirements.
What it does
Eligible adults ages 18–20 can receive provisional concealed weapon licenses in Kentucky. These licenses expire at age 21, and state and federal restrictions on carrying weapons still apply.
Holders can switch to a standard license without repeating firearms training if they apply within six months of expiration, pay fees, and pass checks. It is valid only at age 21 or older.
Argument forThe switch process could save license holders time by accepting their prior firearms training while still requiring eligibility checks.
Argument againstConcealed weapons carried by license holders ages 18–20 could make a confrontation in a public place more dangerous.
More detail
Kentucky State Police must issue provisional concealed weapon licenses to eligible applicants ages 18–20. The license permits holders to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons, along with ammunition, throughout Kentucky. Applicants must meet the other requirements referenced in Kentucky's standard license law. Other state laws and federal law can still restrict where holders may carry weapons. A provisional license lasts until the holder turns 21 unless revoked or suspended. An expired license does not authorize carrying weapons.
Provisional license holders may apply to switch to a standard license without repeating the required firearms training. Holders can apply on paper through their county sheriff or electronically through Kentucky State Police. Applicants must submit the switch application, pay fees, and pass records and eligibility checks. The standard license is not valid before age 21. State Police must mail a notice and switch application at least 90 days before expiration. Holders who do not apply within six months of expiration must use the regular application process.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 14delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 173)Latest
- Vote recorded OVERRIDE VETO FINAL PASSAGE HB 312. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Veto Override. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 14enrolled, signed by President of the SenateTo Governor
- Apr 14enrolled, signed by Speaker of the HouseMajor
- Apr 14received in House
- Apr 14passed 28-9Major
- Apr 14veto overriddenMajor
- Apr 14posted for passage for consideration of Governor's veto
- Apr 14to Rules (S)Minor
- Apr 14received in Senate
- Apr 14passed 81-18Major
- Apr 14veto overriddenMajor
- Apr 14posted for consideration of Governor's veto
- Apr 14taken from Rules
- Apr 14to Rules (H)Minor
- Apr 14received in House
- Apr 3VetoedMajor
- Mar 24delivered to Governor
- Mar 24enrolled, signed by President of the SenateMajor
- Mar 20enrolled, signed by Speaker of the HouseMajor
- Vote recorded PASS HB 312. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 20received in House
- Mar 203rd reading, passed 30-7Passed Senate
- Mar 19posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 20 2026
- Mar 19reported favorably, 2nd reading, to RulesMinor
- Mar 18returned to Judiciary (S)
- Mar 181st readingMinor
- Mar 18taken from Judiciary (S)
- Mar 16to Judiciary (S)Minor
- Jan 27to Committee on Committees (S)Minor
- Jan 27received in Senate
- Jan 233rd reading, passed 73-17Passed House
- Vote recorded Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 22posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, January 23, 2026
- Jan 22floor amendment (1) filedMinor
- Jan 222nd reading, to RulesMinor
- Jan 21reported favorably, 1st reading, to CalendarMinor
- Jan 20to Judiciary (H)Minor
- Jan 12to Committee on Committees (H)Minor
- Jan 12introduced in HouseIntroduced
- Apr 14delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 173)Latest
Gun Policy