Beginning Thursday, June 27 anyone who can legally possess a gun in Kentucky will be able to carry it concealed without a permit.
Senate Bill 150 was signed into law March 11 and takes effect this Thursday. It essentially eliminates the gun-safety training course, background check, and $60 application fee previously required by Kentucky. can carry it around under a coat, in a purse or hidden in a hip holster — no permit required.
The conceal carry commonly applies applies to carrying a weapon under a coat or article of clothing, in a purse, or hidden in a hip holster.
The new bill also removes an exclusion that prevented Kentuckians from getting a concealed-carry permit if they owed more than a year of child support. In addition, it removes exclusions for those with misdemeanor alcohol or drug convictions within three years.
Kentucky joins 14 other states that have passed similar laws eliminating the need for a conceal carry permit.
The law doesn’t change who is eligible to carry or the places where guns are allowed.
Per Kentucky state law, concealed weapons still won’t be allowed in courthouses, prisons, sheriff offices, jails and prisons. They’re also not allowed in drinking establishments or in the bar area in restaurants that serve alcohol.
Concealed weapons also are banned in daycare facilities — unless a homeowner has a registered child-care facility in their own home — and elementary and secondary schools unless given permission by school authorities.
Five Things to Know About Kentucky Gun Laws
- You cannot carry or own a gun if you have a felony conviction.
- You cannot bring firearms into federally owned or operated buildings, or buildings that house federal offices.
- You can carry in national parks.
- Private property owners can prohibit firearms from their premises.
- New bill changes the previous law allowing non-permit holders to carry a firearm only if they were openly displayed.