Kentucky’s Republican-controlled legislature voted Thursday to override Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes of two firearms-related bills, enacting protections for gun manufacturers from certain lawsuits and lowering the minimum age for concealed carry without a permit to 18. The moves come as states increasingly diverge on gun policy following major Supreme Court rulings expanding Second Amendment rights.
House Bill 153 grants immunity to firearm industry members from civil liability for damages resulting from criminal misuse of their products, while Senate Bill 150 eliminates training requirements for concealed carry permits. Both measures passed with veto-proof majorities along party lines during the legislature’s final session day.
‘This is about protecting lawful commerce and constitutional rights,’ said House Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect) in floor remarks. Analysts note the liability shield mirrors federal protections established by the 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act but extends them to state-level claims.
Opponents argue the measures prioritize industry profits over public safety. ‘We’re making it easier for guns to fall into dangerous hands while tying the judiciary’s hands,’ said Rep. Rachel Roberts (D-Newport). The veto overrides follow a 2022 Kentucky law allowing permitless concealed carry for adults 21 and older.
Legal experts suggest the new laws may face challenges under Kentucky’s constitution, which lacks explicit right-to-bear-arms language. The developments coincide with Tennessee enacting similar protections for gun manufacturers last month, signaling a growing state-level strategy by firearm trade groups.