NKY Politics

A Bill to Lower Conceal Carry Age

Senate Bill 75 passes

Senate Bill 75 in Kentucky, which aims to lower the concealed carry age from 21 to 18, sparked a debate in the Senate where Sen. Keturah Herron, a Democrat from Louisville, proposed an amendment requiring 18-year-olds to complete a safety or training course before carrying concealed weapons.

Sen. Aaron Reed, a Republican from Shelbyville and the bill's sponsor, argued against the amendment, asserting that the U.S. Constitution does not mandate training for the Second Amendment right to self-defense, reflecting a broader national discussion on gun rights and regulations.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Kentucky and across the U.S. over balancing constitutional rights with public safety, especially following recent legal interpretations like the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, which emphasizes historical traditions in firearm regulation.