Ky. now taking online gun-permit applications

FRANKFORT, Ky. –

Kentucky gun owners can obtain concealed-carry permits faster under a new online application process that critics view as dangerous but others say pays heed to Second Amendment rights.

The process requires state police to either issue or deny a license within 15 days of receiving an electronic application — down from the 60-day processing period allowed for paper applications.

Supporters, including the National Rifle Association, say the change improves access to concealed-carry permits at a time when demand is high. Kentucky issued more than 59,500 permits in 2013, compared to 10,900 in 2004.

BACKGROUND: Concealed carry -- changes to Kentucky gun laws

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"If we can get these applications processed and back to people in two weeks, instead of two months, that is better for everyone," said Sara Beth Gregory, a former Republican state senator and key proponent of the change.

But critics say it's yet another bow to Kentucky gun culture that endangers the community and invites more opportunities for violence.

Rep. Jim Wayne, a Louisville Democrat opposed to the new rules, says state police are already hurting for personnel and that having officials process applications within 15 days could result in mistakes, such as approving permits for people with criminal histories.

"They are so overloaded and they should have the leeway to not be pressed to get this job done," he said.

The state police department, which began accepting applications electronically in mid-November, answered questions about the process in an email to The Courier-Journal last week.

Officials said the transition has been smooth and that several hundred people have used it to apply for new permits or renew old permits. They reported no problems meeting the 15-day deadline or performing criminal background checks, which are required for licenses.

"We are able to adapt to any changes and have not experienced any unexpected issues," KSP Sgt. Norman Preston said in the email. "We are expecting to see a gradual increase (in use) after the general public has been made aware."

To obtain a permit, applicants still must complete an in-person training course on Kentucky law and the basics of firearm safety. They also must pass the background check and need a valid e-mail address to register an account.

Barry Laws, CEO of Openrange, an indoor gun range and store in Crestwood, said he hasn't heard customers talking about the new application process yet. Meanwhile, the demand for licenses has softened some from its peak during President Barack Obama's re-election bid, he said.

Openrange offers at least four concealed-carry classes a month, which are typically 70 percent to 80 percent full. But it no longer has waiting lists like it did around election time.

Laws said the program as a whole has given gun owners a greater understanding of the rules and liabilities.

"Many come into our program thinking they will be John Wayne with their new CCDW and leave feeling a bit like Pee-wee Herman, not wanting to ever have to use deadly force," he said.

The new application process is the result of an omnibus gun bill passed in 2014. Among other things, the legislation also sped up the permitting process for victims of domestic violence.

Gregory, who sponsored the original legislation to establish rules for electronic applications, said state police wanted to modernize the process and make it more efficient.

She disputes that the contention that it will lead to more violence, arguing that the new rules do nothing to increase the number of people who are entitled to apply.

"The faster we can be responsive to people's applications, the better the system is," she said. "Speeding up the process to approve people who should be approved is not a bad thing."

But Wayne said the public should have concern.

"This is a legislature that is pretty much shackled to the NRA, and whatever the NRA wants to promote, their unreasonable, immoral agenda is what the legislative leaders and the rank and file will probably follow," he said.

State police are still accepting paper applications.

Reporter Mike Wynn can be reached at (502) 875-5136. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeWynn_CJ.