Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, issued vetoes for two bills passed by the Kentucky General Assembly—one that would allow adults under 21 to carry concealed firearms with a license, and another that would protect gun sellers and manufacturers from civil liability.
Beshear is currently in his veto period, which lasts 10 days excluding Sundays. Lawmakers passed dozens of bills ahead of this period and sent them to his desk for approval. Once the period ends, the Republican-controlled legislature will return for the final two days of the legislative session in mid-April, when members can attempt to override any—or all—of his vetoes.
House Bill 312 would allow Kentuckians aged 18, 19, and 20 to apply for provisional licenses. Applicants would need to complete up to eight hours of firearm safety training and pass state and federal background checks. Kentucky law already allows “constitutional carry,” permitting individuals 21 and older to carry concealed weapons without a license or training.
In his veto message, Beshear stated that while he “believes in the Second Amendment,” age restrictions exist to protect young people. He noted that individuals under 21 cannot rent a car, purchase alcohol or tobacco, or serve as state lawmakers.
“Tonight, I’m remembering my friend Tommy Elliott, who was murdered along with four other children of God three years ago in an act of gun violence. I’m vetoing this bill in his honor,” Beshear said, referencing the 2023 Old National Bank shooting in Louisville.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Savannah Maddox of Dry Ridge, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. She has previously argued that individuals in this age group can already legally purchase and carry firearms, and her bill would simply allow them to carry those weapons concealed.
In a statement, the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action said, “It would seem that Governor Beshear would rather recycle standard gun control talking points than listen to the will of the people of Kentucky.”
Beshear also vetoed House Bill 78, which aimed to shield firearm sellers and manufacturers from civil liability when their products are used in crimes. The bill included exceptions for negligence, violations of federal law, or product defects, and would not apply to ongoing cases.
In his veto message, Beshear criticized lawmakers for focusing on protecting the gun industry rather than addressing gun violence. He again dedicated the veto to Tommy Elliott.
“Justice for victims requires our courts and our legal process to bring the facts to light so that anyone with responsibility for violent acts may be held accountable,” Beshear said. “House Bill 78 prioritizes immunity for gun dealers over the safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens.”
Republican Rep. T.J. Roberts of Burlington, who sponsored HB 78, said the bill is intended to prevent frivolous lawsuits and ensure gun manufacturers are not targeted through public nuisance claims. He added that it aligns more closely with the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
“It’s actually focused on a responsible balance with the intent to ensure that this industry stays afloat,” Roberts said. “Right now, we have litigation strategies being funded by out-of-state billionaires in several states with the explicit goal of undermining the Second Amendment.”
Roberts, also one of 28 Republican sponsors of HB 312, said he expects lawmakers to override Beshear’s vetoes.
“When someone says, ‘I believe in the Second Amendment, but—’ it usually means they don’t believe in the Second Amendment,” Roberts said.
Both bills passed along party lines. Beshear has already vetoed four other bills before the veto period, all of which were overridden by lawmakers. Additional overrides are expected when legislators return to Frankfort on April 14–15.
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