HB 39 Summary

• Amends open carrying laws to allow licensed concealed firearm carriers to temporarily and openly display their firearm without violating open carry restrictions, provided the display is not in an angry or threatening manner.

• Reduces penalties for licensed concealed firearm carriers who violate open carry provisions to noncriminal violations: $25 for a first violation and $500 for a second violation (both payable to clerk of court), with misdemeanor charges only applying to third or subsequent violations.

• Establishes that unlicensed individuals openly carrying firearms or electric weapons remain subject to second-degree misdemeanor charges.

• Reenacts fingerprinting provisions in sections 943.051 and 985.11 to incorporate the amended open carry definitions for minors charged with weapons violations.

• Takes effect July 1, 2018.