Tomorrow, the House Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee will have a fifth hearing for House Bill 142. This legislation, sponsored by state Representative Scott Wiggam (R-1), would remove the requirement that a concealed handgun licensee notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when stopped for a law enforcement purpose, like a routine traffic stop. Under current law, when a CHL holder is stopped by a law enforcement officer, they must immediately inform the officer that they have a CHL and a firearm in the vehicle. Failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor and the CHL being suspended. Please contact committee members and urge them to SUPPORT HB 142! Click the “Take Action” button below to contact committee members.
By proposing to eliminate the “duty to inform” requirement, HB 142 acknowledges a simple human behavior: when pulled over, most individuals are not thinking about the “duty to inform” requirement. Most are contemplating what particular driving action may have resulted in their detainment, whether it be for speeding or another type of moving violation. To add another element in the “traffic stop” process for the driver is confusing at best and may result in an unintended criminal penalty and an additional fine.
Again, please click the “Take Action” button to contact members of the House Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee in support of House Bill 142.