In response to a state bill passed last year, Adams County is updating its training requirements for residents to get concealed handgun permits starting on July 1. 

The new requirements will apply to anybody applying for or renewing a permit to carry a concealed handgun, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in a social media post Monday.

Adams County’s changes come after HB 24-1174 was signed last June, establishing standards for concealed carry handgun training classes across the state. 

Under the new requirements, new applicants for a permit have to complete an in-person handgun training course within one year of applying, and the training has to be at least eight hours long and taught by a verified instructor. Applicants also have to pass both a written exam and live-fire exercise.

Prior to the change, applicants had to take a concealed handgun class but there were no state requirements for what the class contained. 

The courses have to include the following, according to the new requirements:

• Firearm and ammunition handling
• Safe storage and child safety
• Shooting fundamentals
• Federal and state firearm laws
• Use of deadly force for self defense
• Safe interaction with law enforcement
• Conflict avoidance and use-of-force judgment

To renew permits, applicants have to complete a refresher course within six months before renewal. Applicants can also show handgun competence if they  participate in organized shooting competitions or show that they are active military, a current peace officer, verified firearms instructor, or show honorable military discharge or retired law enforcement status with pistol qualification in the past 10 years.

Refresher courses have to meet the following requirements, according to the  state bill:

• In-person
• Taught by a verified instructor
• Include updated law instruction
• Include a live-fire test and written exam
• Minimum two hours 

Concealed carry permits will not be issued to anyone convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. 

Adams County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Adam Sherman said the new requirements will help both the state and the permit holders, ensuring they know the laws and know how to safely handle a firearm. 

More information on getting a concealed carry permit in Adams County can be found on the sheriff’s office website.