Nov 24, 2008 12:11 pm US/Central

Report: 'Conceal And Carry' Renewals Scarce
ST. PAUL (AP) ― All those permits to a carry a concealed weapon issued five years ago are up for renewal, but officials say they're seeing fewer people do it than expected.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that only about half the new permit-holders from 2003 appear to have reapplied across the metro area.

Officials say there are several possible reasons. Dakota County Sheriff's Chief Deputy David Bellows says many permit holders have learned that concealed firearms are heavy and uncomfortable.

Also, it costs $75 to renew a permit. There's also the chance that many permit holders have simply forgotten that they need to renew them.

The law requires that those renewing their permits take a refresher course in the rights and obligations of handgun owners, and put in some practice time on the range.

The new law adopts a "shall issue" philosophy that assumes an applicant is qualified unless authorities can prove otherwise.