An instructor must do a safety inspection of the firearm to be used by the applicant and witness “actual demonstration of competency and qualification.”

Permitless carry would eliminate the mandate for all those safeguards. The proposal is unneeded and has the potential to cause confusion and harm.

With the change, no one will be able to tell who has met basic standards.

Nothing about existing law or the proposal effectively prevents criminals from getting and using firearms. Those who are determined to break the law, will do so. But removing the permit requirements will make it harder for law enforcement to sort out whether someone carrying a gun into a crowded place is a criminal or law-abiding citizen.

All rights are subject to limitations.

Free speech doesn’t include slander, and the right to assemble doesn’t allow for rioting. The right to bear arms isn’t a social suicide pact.

It is possible to uphold the Second Amendment and adopt policies that protect lives.

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