States act to shield CCW holders

[ericire12]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-24-gunpermitrecords_N.htm

By Ron Barnett, USA TODAY
South Carolina last week became the latest in a growing number of states to make the names of people who have a license to carry a concealed weapon a state secret.

Five other states might not be far behind in a battle that pits a public policy of open government against the right of people to keep their gun ownership records private.

Bills that would make concealed gun permit records confidential have been introduced in eight other states this year — Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia — according to Janna Goodwin of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Tennessee bill was defeated, in a House subcommittee vote earlier this month. West Virginia's bill was tabled, and Virginia's legislative session ended before a bill could be considered, Goodwin said. Action is pending in the five other states, she said.

Concealed-weapon records always have been confidential in many states, said Colin Weaver, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Prior to South Carolina's action, the Brady Campaign counted 26 states where the records are confidential.

[twyacht]

As a NC CCW holder, I am concerned that the wrong direction is getting out of hand regarding law abiding citizens that get fingerprinted, background checked out the wazoo, and PAY alot to get this permit.

I am under a zero tolerance for alcohol, restricted to where I can carry and where I can't, and a host of flat out restrictions toward the permit I received and went through quite a bit to get.

Now purchasing handguns is easier with a CCW, it does not warrant "big brother" knowing more than they already have.

I hope my state follows SC, It may get worse before it gets better.