The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has seen an influx of gun permit renewals since the beginning of the year. Chief Deputy Jared Schneider said in 2011 the law was changed regarding weapon permits, and accordingly many people who got their permit at the time are now at their five-year renewal.

The law change essentially took away the sheriff’s ability to refuse to issue a gun permit. Schneider said the verbage changed from “may issue” to “shall issue.” He said the sheriff still can deny a permit, but has to go through a process to explain why. Before, the sheriff didn’t have to issue any permits, so it was fairly uncommon for permits to be given. Now, as long as the applicant meets the criteria, Schneider says they will most likely receive the permit unless the sheriff shows good reason.