Kansas lawmakers sent Governor Sam Brownback a bill that would allow public health care facilities to continue banning concealed guns. The bill landed on his desk Monday, but Brownback is saying little about what action he might take.
Under state law, most public places must allow concealed weapons by this summer or install security to keep all guns out.
Brownback asked for an exemption for the state’s mental health facilities so they could continue banning guns. Alternatively, he asked for additional funding to install security measures at the mental hospitals required to ban guns under current law.
Lawmakers agreed to an exemption for the state mental facilities, but they also added additional exemptions for the KU Health System and other public hospitals.
Brownback said he’s meeting with advocates on both sides of the issue while he decides what action to take.
“These are heartfelt, difficult issues. This is a strong 2nd Amendment state. There are legitimate concerns on behalf of the KU Medical Center, the behavioral hospitals, so you’re trying to balance those,” said Brownback.
Brownback has 10 days to sign the bill, veto it or let it become law without his signature.
The bill before Brownback would not affect university campuses, which still must comply with the law by this summer.