Senate Bill 1378 - Concealed Weapons

• Repeals existing concealed weapons statute and replaces it with comprehensive new provisions establishing a licensing system administered by county sheriffs.

• Requires persons carrying concealed deadly weapons to obtain a license issued by the sheriff of their county of residence, valid for 5 years, with exceptions for peace officers, elected officials, military personnel, and persons with valid out-of-state permits.

• Sets license fees at $20 for original issuance and $15 for renewal; allows sheriffs to collect actual costs for fingerprinting and materials; requires applicants to pass national fingerprint-based background checks, NICS inquiries, and mental health record checks within 90 days.

• Establishes eligibility disqualifications including persons under 21 years old, those with felony convictions, fugitives, unlawful drug users, persons with certain mental health adjudications, aliens illegally in the U.S., and those subject to domestic protection orders.

• Amends prohibited conduct statute to clarify that concealed weapons cannot be carried in courthouses, detention facilities, or schools except by authorized peace officers, security personnel, or persons with explicit authorization.