Holy schmoley, Batman! That's an awful law.
Here are some of the provisions:
"The Chief may limit the geographic area, circumstances, or times of the day, week, month, or year in which the license is effective."
The pistol to carry must be the one registered in the District. The pistol must be concealed.
Applicants must demonstrate "a good reason to fear injury" and "a special need for self-protection distinguishable from the general community." Applicants must provide evidence of this fear.
Applicants have to complete a course
certified by the Chief that includes at least 16 hours of training. The course must cover "situational awareness, conflict management, and moral and ethical decisions on the use of deadly force." How much will something like that cost, and how many instructors are there in the District to conduct it?
The license is good for two years.
Licensees may not carry in the following places:
- Any building owned or under the control of the District
- Any public transportation vehicle, including the Metrorail transit system
- Any public gathering or special event conducted on property open to the public that requires issuance of a permit from the District or federal government
- Within 1,000 feet, or other lesser distance designated by the Chief or his or her designee, when a dignitary or high ranking official of the United States or a state, local, or foreign government is under the protection of the Metropolitan Police Department, or other law enforcement agency
- Any prohibited circumstance that the Chief determines by rule
The first four provisions cover pretty much every part of the District. Just for good measure, the Chief has the ability to extend the prohibition by fiat.