By Mike Wynn

mwynn@courier-journal.com

A review of the legislative record dating to 2004 shows statutes on concealed weapons have been amended so that:

• Active and honorably discharged military personnel who apply for licenses are no longer required to undergo training on state laws related to legal liability and the use of deadly force.

• Domestic violence victims can receive a temporary, 45-day permit without completing the normally required training on firearms safety and state law.

• Firearms, loaded or unloaded, may be stored in more places about a vehicle — including center consoles and seat pockets — without being considered concealed.

• Employers cannot prevent employees from keeping guns in their car while at work.

• Officials are required to process applications at a faster rate. KSP must issue or deny permits within 60 days, down from 90, or within 15 days if the paperwork is submitted electronically.

• Public access to the names of licensees have been eliminated and access to the information by law enforcement has been tightened.

• A six-month state residency requirement in applications has been eliminated.

• Gun owners have been granted authority to carry concealed weapons without a license on property they lease or own, or on property leased or owned by a relative. They may also carry in their own business without a license.

• Retired peace officers and prosecutors have gained broad authority above that of the general public to carry in most locations throughout the state, including courthouses and bars.

Number of permits issued each year by Kentucky State Police:

2004 — 10,884

2005 — 7,791

2006 — 9,956

2007 — 11,682

2008 — 16,114

2009 — 25,913

2010 — 19,808

2011 — 24,908

2012 — 27,462

2013 — 59,530