Repeal of Restaurant Ban in Senate Courts Wednesday

In addition to the gun show bill (SB 595) scheduled for the 2:00 PM Senate Courts of Justice Committee on Wednesday, a number of other firearm related bills will also be on the docket. They include Senator Hanger's repeal of the "Restaurant Ban", that prohibits carrying concealed in restaurants like Applebees and Olive Garden that serve alcohol in addition to food (SB 334), Senator Jill Vogel's SB 408 that would permit gun owners to carry a handgun in the locked compartment of a car or boat, Senator Smith's SB 3, that would allow for the renewal of concealed handgun permits by mail, and Senator Reynolds' SB 79, which would remove the ability of localities to require fingerprints when an individual applies for a concealed handgun permit. Besides the anti-rights gun show bill, Senator Lucas has also sponsored SB 501, which provides that a conviction from another state for driving while intoxicated or for drunkenness in public within the preceding three years disqualifies an individual from obtaining a concealed handgun permit.

On a related note, the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee today reported HB 505 to the full House. HB 505 is the House version of the repeal of the "Restaurant Ban." The bill should be on the floor for a final vote on Thursday or Friday.