HB 1598 Summary

• Transfers authority to grant licenses to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms from county chiefs of police to the Attorney General, making licenses valid statewide rather than county-specific.

• Limits county chiefs of police authority to grant carry licenses to on-duty security guards employed by guard agencies and complying with section 463-10.5 requirements.

• Requires applicants to complete an approved firearms safety and training course within 180 days before applying for a license to carry.

• Increases the licensing fee from $10 to $100 per application, with fees deposited in the state treasury instead of county treasuries.

• Establishes consistent statewide standards for firearm carry licenses and requires background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and Immigration and Customs Enforcement databases where applicable.