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KS Statehouse Visitors Can Now Carry Hidden Guns

A visitor to the Kansas Statehouse going through security. (Photo by Stephen Koranda) Visitors with concealed carry permits can now bring handguns into the Kansas Statehouse. The change took effect this week, and members of the Capitol Police now have procedures in place for determining who's armed while in the building. Officer Stephen Crumpler says visitors with a concealed weapon will need to present photo ID and their concealed carry permit. They’ll still be screened for other weapons, and he says officers will also double-check that the concealed carry permit is valid.


Kansas lawmakers with a concealed carry permit have had permission to bring concealed firearms into the building since last year.

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(VERSION TWO)

Visitors with a concealed carry permit can now bring handguns into the Kansas Statehouse. The change took effect this week, and Statehouse security officers have a process in place to determine who’s carrying in the Capitol. KPR’s Stephen Koranda reports.


(SCRIPT)

Visitors with a firearm will need to provide their concealed carry permit and a photo ID. Kansas Capitol Police Officer Stephen Crumpler says staff will screen the person for other weapons and use a system to double-check that the concealed carry permit is valid.

“By checking the validity we know that they’ve been through the classes, they’ve received their training, they’ve paid their fees and everything else,” says Crumpler.

Crumpler says people who don’t carry should not be concerned about visiting the Statehouse.

“We have officers throughout the building. They’re patrolling the building at all times, just like we’ve always done. And so, the people with the weapons they’re just as safe as anyone who doesn’t have a weapon. We’re there to protect everyone,” says Crumpler.

Kansas state law gives a panel of legislators the authority to bar concealed guns in the Statehouse. But last month the group took no action, leading to the change allowing firearms in the building. Lawmakers with a permit have been able to carry concealed firearms in the Statehouse since last year.

 

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.