The Frankfort LINK: Gun legislation moves through the Kentucky legislature

A bill that would make Kentucky a Second Amendment sanctuary passed the House Veterans, Military, and Public Protection Committee. 

It isn’t the only pro-Second Amendment bill filed so far during the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly legislative session. 

Filed by Rep. Josh Bray (R-Mount Vernon), House Bill 153 is a duplicate bill filed last year that would essentially prevent a federal ban on firearms — were it to happen — from applying in Kentucky. 

The bill died in the Senate last year, but Bray thinks it’s a matter of timing. He said the bill’s chances are strong this year, as it didn’t pass the House until Day 45 of 60 in a 2022 hectic budget year.  

Rep. Savannah Maddox (R-Dry Ridge) supported the bill last year and supports year. She said that the bill’s passing will depend on the Senate. 

In Kentucky, 115 out of 120 counties already have Second Amendment sanctuaries in place

While the Rockcastle County legislator thinks HB153’s chances to pass are more likely, this isn’t the only gun bill potentially moving through the Kentucky legislature this year. 

Maddox  filed two bills this session — one will lower the concealed carry age from 21 to 18 (HB118) and another that will get rid of gun-free zones (HB138)

Maddox also filed the bills last year, and she thinks both bills have more relevance in light of the Feb. 13 shooting at the Michigan State University, where she said law-abiding were unable to defend themselves

There are, however, a couple of bills filed that seek to regulate firearms — both filed by Democrats. 

Sponsored by Rep. Lisa Willner (D-Louisville), House Bill 79 would allow the “Kentucky State Police to establish the Kentucky Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms List to prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of firearms to individuals who voluntarily request to be added to the list.”

This bill applies more to those trying to prevent self-harm.

Another bill —Senate Bill 84 — would “Create a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to allow urban-county governments and consolidated local governments to regulate firearms and ammunition to reduce gun violence except when state or federal law preempts local governance.” 

That bill is sponsored by Sen. Reginald Thomas (D-Lexington). 

Last session, a bipartisan piece of legislation called C.A.R.R. — Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention — failed to get a committee hearing. 

Sponsored by former Sens. Morgan McGarvey (D-Louisville) and Sen. Paul Hornback (R-Shelbyville), C.A.R.R. would have allowed firearm owners to voluntarily give their firearms over to law enforcement during a crisis. The guns would then be returned.

Opponents, including Maddox, call these types of laws “red flag” laws. 

Listen, to hear more on this week's episode.