The Kentucky General Assembly has successfully overrode Governor Andy Beshear’s vetoes of House Bill 78 and House Bill 312, enacting significant new protections for the firearms industry and expanding carry rights for young adults. The decisive votes on April 14, 2026, codify liability shields against “lawfare” and authorize the issuance of provisional concealed carry licenses for eligible 18- to 20-year-olds.
FRANKFORT, KY — In a powerful display of legislative resolve, Kentucky lawmakers returned to Frankfort this week to ensure the final word on the state’s Second Amendment landscape belonged to the people’s representatives. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the General Assembly overrode the Governor’s vetoes of two cornerstone firearm bills, effectively turning them into the law of the Commonwealth.
HB 78: Stopping the “Lawfare”
House Bill 78, also known as the “Firearms Liability Protections” act, passed the override session with an 80-19 vote in the House and 31-6 in the Senate. The law is designed to shield firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations from “qualified civil liability actions”—frivolous lawsuits aimed at holding the industry responsible for the criminal misuse of products by third parties.
State Representative TJ Roberts, a lead supporter of the bill, noted that HB 78 contained an emergency clause, meaning the protections took effect the moment the override was certified. Roberts famously quipped on social media, “We don’t sue Ford for drunk drivers, we shouldn’t sue the Second Amendment out of existence”.
HB 312: Ending Age Discrimination
House Bill 312 addresses what advocates call “age discrimination” by authorizing the Kentucky State Police to issue provisional concealed carry licenses to adults aged 18 to 20. These licenses carry the same rigorous requirements as the standard 21+ permit, including background checks, safety training, and firearm proficiency.
The override for HB 312 was equally decisive, clearing the House 81-18 and the Senate 28-9. CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb praised the move, stating that lawmakers correctly rejected “political nonsense” that treats legal adults—who can marry, vote, and serve in combat—as second-class citizens when it comes to self-defense.
Industry and Advocate Reactions
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) hailed the override of HB 78 as a victory for the rule of law. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF’s Senior Vice President, pointed out that the bill corrects the Governor’s attempt to stand with “special interest gun control groups” over common-sense legal standards.
Governor Beshear had justified his vetoes by claiming HB 78 prioritized “immunity for gun dealers” over citizen safety and arguing that HB 312’s lower age limit put “youth” at risk. However, the legislature’s supermajority remained unswayed, viewing the bills as essential protections for lawful businesses and the constitutional rights of all legal adults.
Safety Tip: With HB 312 now in effect, young adults in the 18-20 age bracket have a clear, lawful path to concealed carry in Kentucky. If you are in this demographic, your “Provisional License” is a badge of responsibility. Remember that while you now have the right to carry concealed, you must strictly adhere to the same prohibited locations (schools, government buildings, etc.) as any other permit holder. Additionally, because federal law still restricts the purchase of handguns from FFLs for those under 21, ensure any firearm you carry was acquired through a legal private transfer or as a gift, in full compliance with Kentucky statutes. This victory for your rights is also a victory for your discipline—train hard, carry responsibly.
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