HB 2342 Summary

• Creates new offense of carrying a firearm while committing a separate misdemeanor, classified as a class C felony, with sentences running in addition to the underlying misdemeanor conviction.

• Amends Section 134-2 to clarify firearm permit application requirements, including mental health history review, and allows police to deny permits if applicants lack essential character or temperament or pose danger to themselves or others.

• Expands concealed carry prohibitions for deadly or dangerous weapons (dirks, daggers, blackjacks, metal knuckles) to apply only when knowingly carried on person or in containers, with exception for billies and home-based defense.

• Clarifies switchblade and butterfly knife prohibitions to apply only to concealed carrying on person or in containers, and establishes class C felony for possessing or using these weapons during commission of separate felonies or misdemeanors.

• Exempts individuals with valid hunter education certificates or written exemptions from firearms training requirements when applying for rifle or shotgun permits.