Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed two high-profile firearm bills, including HB 312, which sought to establish a “provisional license” allowing 18- to 20-year-olds to carry concealed firearms. Beshear also rejected HB 78, a measure designed to provide liability protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers against lawsuits arising from the criminal use of their products.
FRANKFORT, KY — The divide between Kentucky’s executive branch and its GOP-led legislature widened this week as Governor Andy Beshear officially vetoed a pair of bills aimed at expanding Second Amendment protections. At the center of the controversy is House Bill 312, which would have authorized the Kentucky State Police to issue “provisional” concealed carry licenses to adults aged 18 to 20.
Currently, Kentucky law requires residents to be 21 to obtain a concealed carry permit (CCDW), though the state has operated under “permitless carry” for those 21 and older since 2019. HB 312, sponsored by Representative Savannah Maddox (R-Dry Ridge), argued that 18-year-olds already possess the rights to vote, join the military, and enter contracts, and should therefore have a lawful path to self-defense.
Liability Protections Under Fire
Beshear also struck down House Bill 78, a bill that sought to codify state-level liability protections for the firearms industry, similar to the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The bill would have prohibited lawsuits against manufacturers and sellers for the “criminal or unlawful use” of firearms, while allowing exceptions for cases of negligent entrustment or knowing violations of state and federal law.
In his veto message, Beshear stated that these measures would “allow minors under the age of 21 to carry concealed deadly weapons” and shield the industry from “liability for gun violence”.
1/3 Three years ago, a senseless act of gun violence took the life of my friend Tommy and four others. Tonight, at an event honoring Tommy and his impact, I vetoed House Bills 78 and 312. pic.twitter.com/SKr14gS1Ee
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) April 2, 2026
Beshear framed the decision as a deeply personal one, intended to honor the memory of his close friend and mentor, Thomas “Tommy” Elliott. Elliott, a prominent banking executive and former chair of Beshear’s inaugural committee, was one of several people killed during the April 2023 mass shooting at the Old National Bank in Louisville. By blocking the legislation, the Governor signaled a commitment to preventing further gun violence, citing the profound grief of losing a man he described as an “amazing human being.”
While the Governor used the veto to pay tribute to the victims of the Louisville tragedy, the connection to the specific bill drew attention due to the demographics of that particular event. The suspect in the Old National Bank shooting was 25 years old, meaning the provisions of the vetoed bill—which focused on 18-to-20-year-olds—would not have applied to the perpetrator in that instance.
The Path to an Override
The Governor’s vetoes may be short-lived. The Kentucky General Assembly passed both bills with overwhelming majorities:
- HB 312: Passed the House 73-17 and the Senate 30-7.
- HB 78: Passed the House 75-17.
Lawmakers are currently in a “veto recess” but are scheduled to reconvene for the final two days of the session on April 14 and 15, 2026. Given the lopsided vote counts in both chambers, the legislature is widely expected to successfully override Beshear’s vetoes, which requires only a simple majority of members in each house.
Safety Tip: If HB 312 is overridden, it will create a “Provisional License” specifically for the 18-20 age bracket, requiring the same background checks and training as the standard permit. For young adults in this category, carry rights come with immense responsibility. Transitioning from carrying openly (which is generally legal in KY at 18) to carrying concealed requires a heightened focus on holster security and “printing” awareness. As a concealed carry holder, your goal is not just to have a firearm, but to have the discipline to ensure it remains secured and undetected until the absolute moment it is needed for the defense of life.
