As the Kansas Legislature finishes up the second week of its new session, a number of pro-gun reforms have already been introduced. Senate Bill 45, introduced by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, would save taxpayers money by prohibiting taxpayer funds from being used to lobby against legal products or to promote gun control. Also, House Bill 2055, introduced by the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense in any public buildings that lack adequate security. Both of these bills are awaiting further consideration in their respective committees and no hearings have been scheduled at this time.
SB 45 is a common sense reform that would help preserve the rights of taxpayers to ensure that public funds are not used to pursue a political agenda against legal products. Other states allow taxpayer funds to finance expensive advertisement campaigns that demonize perfectly legal products – from everyday consumer products to firearms and ammunition. SB 45 would prohibit this practice in Kansas and make sure that public money is not used to put law-abiding gun owners in the crosshairs of an agency with a political agenda.
HB 2055 would be a significant step towards reducing the number of “gun-free zones” that are so often the targets of crime. Under this bill, any government or public building that prohibits the carrying of concealed firearms for self-defense would be required to screen all visitors for weapons. This would ensure that ALL people who enter the buildings are disarmed, not just the law-abiding citizens who choose to follow the law. If a building lacks the adequate security measures necessary to screen all visitors, then citizens with a concealed carry license would be allowed to carry a firearm to protect themselves while visiting that particular building. The NRA has supported similar legislation in past sessions and will be continue to support these types of proposals.
Although neither of these bills has been scheduled for a hearing at this time, please begin to contact your state Senator and your state Representative and urge them to support these two pro-gun reforms when they come up for a vote.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated as more details become available.