Under current law, a person must be at least 21 years of age to apply for a concealed carry endorsement. This act allows the following types of people who are 18 years of age or older to apply for an endorsement - members of the United States Armed Forces, those honorably discharged from the armed forces, or a member of a military academy or the ROTC. Such persons 18 years of age or older may also transport a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle without committing the crime of unlawful use of weapons.

This act allows holders of a concealed carry endorsement to briefly and openly display the firearm to another person unless the display is in an angry or threatening manner and not in self defense.

Under this act, a person who has been adjudged mentally incapacitated or defective or involuntarily committed to a mental institution may petition for a removal of any disqualification on shipping, transporting, receiving, purchasing, possessing, or transferring a firearm imposed by federal or state law. The petition is to be filed in the circuit court in the petitioner's place of residence or where letters of guardianship or other disqualifying order was entered. Prior to issuing a determination, the court must hold a hearing on the matter. The court's decision is appealable, but a person may not file another petition for one year from the date of the court's denial.

The petition process under current law for those adjudged incapacitated or involuntarily committed who wish to purchase, possess, or transfer a firearm is repealed.

Training requirements for concealed carry endorsement applicants were increased in HB 294 (2011). This act adopts a grandfather clause for those who were issued a firearms safety training certificate prior to the date the standards were increased, so these certificate-holders can receive a concealed carry endorsement without having to retake a training course.

Provisions of this act are identical to SB 489 (2012).

MEGHAN LUECKE