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ELB wrote:I just read the text for SB 16, and it appears to me it removes the fee for LTC initial and renewal, and instructors, but not for the capitol access pass that was created to allow people to get a background check and use the LTC lane at the state capitol without getting a full-blown LTC.

RHenriksen wrote:

ELB wrote:I just read the text for SB 16, and it appears to me it removes the fee for LTC initial and renewal, and instructors, but not for the capitol access pass that was created to allow people to get a background check and use the LTC lane at the state capitol without getting a full-blown LTC.

When was the capitol access pass created? I missed that one. I imagine it included a background check, but not the classroom and range and written test of the LTC?

safety1 wrote:I like the elimination of fees, it's a step in the right direction.

Concerns - Would this create longer wait times for renewals and first time apps?
I recall in the past when things got "busy" at DPS, they would bring in more workers for processing.
If it becomes a budgeted licensing program item, would this curtail the ability to bring workers in during heavy processing times?.

ELB wrote:

safety1 wrote:I like the elimination of fees, it's a step in the right direction.

Concerns - Would this create longer wait times for renewals and first time apps?
I recall in the past when things got "busy" at DPS, they would bring in more workers for processing.
If it becomes a budgeted licensing program item, would this curtail the ability to bring workers in during heavy processing times?.

I might be wrong, but I believe that the DPS licensing program already operates off budget funds and licensing fees go straight to the general fund, not to the DPS.

BeanCounter wrote:If THEY want to promote “secure storage devices" why not allow a sales tax exemption for gun safes, etc?

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

ELB wrote:

safety1 wrote:I like the elimination of fees, it's a step in the right direction.

Concerns - Would this create longer wait times for renewals and first time apps?
I recall in the past when things got "busy" at DPS, they would bring in more workers for processing.
If it becomes a budgeted licensing program item, would this curtail the ability to bring workers in during heavy processing times?.

I might be wrong, but I believe that the DPS licensing program already operates off budget funds and licensing fees go straight to the general fund, not to the DPS.

Correct.

Chas.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I understand your point, but we are dealing with a constitutional right. If the Legislature feels that the licensing law should exist for public safety reasons, then the cost should be born by the general public. The cost of voter registration is born by the public and voting is also a constitutional right.

Chas.

Scott Farkus wrote:

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I understand your point, but we are dealing with a constitutional right. If the Legislature feels that the licensing law should exist for public safety reasons, then the cost should be born by the general public. The cost of voter registration is born by the public and voting is also a constitutional right.

Chas.

Agreed, and I'm not arguing for or against constitutional carry because I understand the political realities, but isn't that very close to an argument for constitutional carry?

infoman wrote:So just a couple questions? On the proposed SB16, the one that does away with the fees. Will everything be totally free? New app fees, renewal fees, fingerprints, LTC new classes? Will instructors still charge for the courses? Thanks.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

Scott Farkus wrote:

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I understand your point, but we are dealing with a constitutional right. If the Legislature feels that the licensing law should exist for public safety reasons, then the cost should be born by the general public. The cost of voter registration is born by the public and voting is also a constitutional right.

Chas.

Agreed, and I'm not arguing for or against constitutional carry because I understand the political realities, but isn't that very close to an argument for constitutional carry?

No. There's nothing more fundamental to our form of government than the right to vote. There's no fee to vote, but one must register to vote and a background check is done before issuing the voter registration card and putting you on the eligible voter role. (Convicted felons cannot vote.) I think this should be the procedure for getting an LTC.

People have taken to the term "constitutional carry" for political reasons, but the SCOTUS has stated in Heller that licensing is constitutional. Yes, it was dicta, but I don't see a future court striking down all licensing statutes.



My opinion on the state shouldering the cost of the background check, issuing the license, etc. is not limited to LTCs. I think the cost of any procedural requirement placed on citizens should be paid by the state, when the motive for the procedure is public safety. If the population as a whole benefits, then the population should bear the cost.

Chas.

Charles L. Cotton wrote: I understand your point, but we are dealing with a constitutional right. If the Legislature feels that the licensing law should exist for public safety reasons, then the cost should be born by the general public. The cost of voter registration is born by the public and voting is also a constitutional right.

Liberty wrote:Not much to do with this topic, but if we get this one through, This could be a pathway to dropping the State ID fee. ( Not Drivers Licence) The people who need these are often poor or low income, and would resolve some of the exclusivity of the Voting ID controversy.