(Flickr Photo by Teknorat) The Kansas Senate has advanced a bill that would make it legal to openly carry a firearm in public across Kansas. Local governments could still regulate open carry of firearms in public buildings. Supporters of the bill say the current law creates a patchwork of rules regarding open carry, and this bill will create consistency. It would also bar local governments from asking their employees if they have a concealed weapons permit. Senator Pat Pettey, a Kansas City, Kansas Democrat, opposed the bill because it reduces local control over firearms.
“Guns have a place, but they do not need to be in the workplace, in our libraries or community centers. I vote no on Senate bill 447,” said Pettey.
The Senate vote sends the bill to the House for consideration. Some House leaders hope to vote on it before the end of the week.