FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Domestic violence victims in Kentucky could gain quick access to temporary concealed weapons permits under a bill that passed the House after emotional debate Friday.
Abuse victims receiving court-issued protective orders meant to keep their assailants away would be eligible for the 45-day concealed carry permits. Supporters said the short-term permits would provide a measure of self-protection at a time when victims can feel most vulnerable.
“This just levels the playing field for the potential victim,” said Democratic Rep. Gerald Watkins of Paducah, the bill’s lead sponsor.
Opponents said the concealed guns would further inflame domestic violence situations.
“What you’re doing here is completely ignoring the fact that anyone who’s in these troubled situations does not have good judgment,” said Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville. “And you’re going to give the victim a handgun or a weapon to protect themselves? This is madness.”
The bill cleared the House on a 79-13 vote. It goes to the Senate, which is considering similar legislation.
Under the House bill, Kentucky State Police would issue the short-term permits after the applicants passed background checks. The measure calls for permits to be issued to eligible applicants either within one working day or “as soon as practically possible” once state police received the completed application.
State police have indicated it would take one to three days, Watkins said.
Temporary permits would not extend past 45 days. Supporters said that would give victims time to receive firearms safety training required to convert their permits into standard concealed carry licenses. The wait for the tens of thousands of Kentuckians who apply for the regular licenses can last four to six weeks.
Rep. John Will Stacy, D-West Liberty, touted the need for the temporary permits by recalling the death of a young mother in his district who was gunned down by her abusive boyfriend.
“She had the right that every human being has, the right to live and the right to defend herself,” Stacy said. “Let’s give all Kentuckians, no matter what condition they find themselves in, the right to live.”
Opponents voiced concerns that the temporary permits wouldn’t require safety training.
Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville, said that children and other unarmed family members in the home are often most likely to be the ones harmed by the untrained handling of weapons.
Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, said the measure sends the wrong message to abuse victims.
“We are telling victims of domestic violence: ’You’re on your own. We cannot help you,’ ” she said.
Instead, the state should increase funding for shelters and other assistance for victims, she said.
Democratic Rep. Bob Damron of Nicholasville, who has championed the state’s concealed-carry law, said allowing a person to possess a concealed weapon can be the equalizer when confronted by an abuser.
“If they believe in their own judgment … that they need an ability to protect themselves, why would anybody in this body tell them that ’no, you can’t protect yourself’? ” Damron said.
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The House legislation is House Bill 351.
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