The Oregon state senate is considering a House bill that would prevent any public disclosure about persons applying for a concealed handgun permit. That sounds like a reasonable protection of privacy rights, until you remember that people with prior criminal convictions can petition a court to restore their gun rights. The past criminal records of future gun holders would seem highly relevant public information - especially in a state, like Oregon, where the judges making such decisions are elected. Many voters might like to know whether Judge X has a habit of approving such applications before voting to retain Judge X in office.