A Kansas law will allow guns on university campuses and in public hospitals later this year. Efforts to amend the policy have faltered in the Legislature, but the issue is likely to come up again after lawmakers return to the Statehouse in May.
The law says most public places in Kansas must allow concealed weapons, unless there is security in place to make sure no one carries a gun. An exemption for universities and hospitals expires this summer.
Republican Representative Stephanie Clayton, who opposes guns on campus, says they should have an open debate on the topic when they come back.
“The discussion should be out there. It’s going to be unpleasant at times. It’s a very divisive issues, but that discussion needs to be had and it needs to be had in the open,” says Clayton.
A free-for-all debate would also allow for proposals to strengthen the concealed carry law.
A majority of House members voted to hold off on a debate earlier this month, while there are back-room meetings on some kind of compromise.
Stephen Koranda reports: