Kentucky Senate Approves Bill for Young Concealed Carry

The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill allowing individuals aged 18 to 20 to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. This legislation, known as HB 312, received a 30-17 approval in the Senate on March 20, 2026, following a 73-17 vote in the House.

Under HB 312, young adults within this age range can obtain a concealed carry permit and carry a firearm on their person legally.

State Representative Savannah Maddox (R), the bill’s sponsor, expressed her views on X, stating:

“Citizens aged 18, 19, and 20 are recognized as adults. They can vote in elections, sign contracts, join the military, and even sacrifice their lives for our country. They can start families, run businesses, and own firearms. However, current laws prevent these adults from carrying concealed firearms for their protection, creating a concerning contradiction. We acknowledge their adulthood yet deny them the right to defend themselves and their loved ones outside their homes.”

Maddox emphasized that HB 312 seeks to resolve this issue, allowing law-abiding Kentuckians between 18 and 20 to obtain a concealed carry license akin to Kentucky’s standard permits, thereby maintaining reciprocal agreements with other states.

The bill is now set to be reviewed by Governor Andy Beshear (D).