Senator says decline in pistol permits created $233,000 shortfall for probate judges' retirement; committee hears proposal to adjust fees

Senator Goodman told the standing committee on March 3 that probate judges have seen about a 60% decline in pistol‑permit applications since a recent constitutional change and that the drop has produced an estimated $233,000 annual shortfall affecting judges’ retirement funding.

"Ever since we passed constitutional carrier, we've seen a 60% decrease in pistol permits, and this affected their retirement ... it's resulted in about $233,000 deficit every year," Senator Goodman said, introducing a measure to modestly adjust fees to restore the program's revenue balance. When Senator Robertson asked whether the adjustment affected only judges' monthly dues into the judges' plan or also some fees, the bill's sponsor said the change adjusts what judges pay and also modifies some related fees but that he did not have the fee schedule before him at the hearing. The sponsor added that no state dollars would be involved.

Committee discussion at the hearing was limited to clarifying questions. The transcript does not contain an actuarial report or a written cost estimate in committee nor a record of legislative staff providing backup documentation in this session. The sponsor characterized the proposed change as modest and said it emerged from probate judges' concerns about retirement funding.

The committee did not take a roll‑call vote on a fee adjustment in this meeting; the topic was presented as part of a package of bills the senator was carrying and may return later in committee with supporting financial documentation. The committee's record in this session shows introductions and prioritization of multiple bills but does not show formal enactment of any fee change.

Next steps: authors may provide supporting actuarial or fiscal data if they request committee action or a future hearing on a fee adjustment for probate judges.