(photo via Flickr user stlphotoblogger)
The architect of new Kansas concealed-carry gun legislation utilized this final day of the 2013 Kansas session to respond to criticism of the law. Republican Senator Forrest Knox of Altoona urged local governments, schools and courts to abide by the letter AND the spirit of the law. The measure restricts local governments' ability to mandate that people can't bring knives and guns into non-secure public buildings. Knox says the law is intended to enhance public safety.
Some local governments are expected to request temporary exemptions from the law so that they can determine what security measures need to be added to buildings they want to keep gun-free. Others have said they will work to overturn or amend the law because it infringes on local sovereignty. The Lawrence City Commission has voted to ignore the portion of the law that allows people to carry concealed knives into bars and public places.