Overview
- Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed House Bills 312 and 78, announcing the decision Thursday at an event honoring his friend Tommy who was killed with four others.
- HB312 would have lowered the minimum age for a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18, expanding permits to 18- to 20-year-olds.
- HB78 sought to shield gun manufacturers and sellers from certain lawsuits tied to crimes committed with firearms or ammunition.
- Beshear said he supports the Second Amendment but rejected the bills to prevent minors under 21 from carrying concealed weapons and to preserve victims’ ability to seek damages.
- Lawmakers can try to override the vetoes when they reconvene April 14–15, which could still allow both measures to become law.