The Department of Administration has released its rules for concealed carry in state buildings. The policy announced Friday indicates permit holders will be allowed to carry hidden weapons in most state facilities, including the Capitol building.
Deputy Secretary Chris Schoenherr says most areas of the Capitol under DOA control will be open to permit holders. However, the law places restrictions on concealed carry in courtrooms and police stations, so it will not be permitted in the state Supreme Court Chambers or the Capitol Police station.
Each chamber of the Legislature will also pass its own rules, with the Assembly planning to allow permit holders to carry in all areas and the Senate expected to only ban them from its public viewing gallery. Each lawmaker will be able to decide whether to allow concealed weapons in their offices.
For other state facilities, Schoenherr says concealed carry will be widely allowed. Exceptions to that policy will be in offices used by the Department of Health Services to provide services to the mentally ill, areas where combustible materials are stored, and facilities used by the Department of Corrections and State Public Defender to provide services to those with criminal histories.
Schoenherr says signs will be posted at the entrances to buildings or areas inside of them where concealed weapons are prohibited.
State employees who obtain a permit will also be able to carry concealed while on the job. Schoenherr says the one exception that will be if the agency they work for determines carrying a weapon interferes with their job duties.
The Department of Administration plans to post a listing online of buildings with concealed carry restrictions by the time the law takes effect November first. State residents can begin applying for concealed carry permits next Tuesday.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:07)
