Committee sends retired-officer handgun-permit fee-waiver bill to Finance committee

Representative Warner presented House Bill 15 08, which would extend a lifetime enhanced handgun-carry permit fee waiver to retired law-enforcement officers who served less than 10 years but were post-certified or had equivalent training on their retirement date and who retired because of an injury sustained in the line of duty. Warner said the proposal would allow officers injured in the line of duty to obtain the fee waiver if otherwise qualified.

Committee members asked clarifying questions on whether a minimum service requirement would apply and whether officers who retired under disciplinary circumstances would remain eligible. Representative Warner said the current statute sets a 10-year requirement and the bill would open the benefit to any officer injured in the line of duty, and he indicated he could amend language to exclude officers who retired under disciplinary circumstances if members desired.

The clerk recorded 13 ayes and 4 present not voting on a motion to send HB 15 08 to Finance, Ways and Means. The bill will proceed to that committee for further consideration.

Next steps: HB 15 08 goes to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.