New 'constitutional carry' law in Kansas doesn't require a permit to have a concealed handgun
A new law that will allow Kansas residents age 21 and over to carry concealed firearms without first getting a permit was signed into law Thursday by the state governor.
Although some have expressed concerns about allowing individuals without training to carry a concealed gun, others say the new law, which takes effect July 1, doesn’t go far enough, reports the Kansas City Star.
“We’re saying that if you want to do that in this state, then you don’t have to get the permission slip from the government,” said Gov. Sam Brownback. “It is a constitutional right, and we’re removing a barrier to that right.”
Movie theater operator Bill Warren, who himself has concealed-carry permit, is one of the best-known critics of the law. He says he may ban guns in the movie theaters, to prevent individuals without training coming in armed.
However, president Patricia Stoneking of the Kansas State Rifle Association would like to see the new law expanded when the time is right.
“Eighteen-year-olds are allowed to open-carry, and they go to war and put their lives on the line to protect this country,” she said. “I believe we can lower the age to 18 at some point in the future. I think after everybody sees that there are not going to be any of the dire predictions coming true, and they relax a little bit, then we can talk about that.”
Kansas is the sixth state to enact a so-called “constitutional carry” law, the article notes.
