Senate Rejects Open Records Proposal For Concealed Weapons Permits

The State Senate has rejected a plan to let anyone know if you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Sheriffs process applications for concealed weapons – or will once the law is completely straightened out. The records of applicants – and licenses granted – are kept secret now. Columbia Senator Ken Jacob thinks those records should be part of the state open records law. After all, he argues, hunting and fishing licenses are public records. Gun permits should be too. But Senator Harold Caskey of Butler argues they’re not really completely open. People can opt to have their own records closed. He changes Jacob’s proposal to have the same tandards applied to gun permits. He says it would be too easy under Jacob’s plan to find out who’s armed and then toattack those who are not. The Senate has rejected Jacob’s proposal. The records will remain secret.