Kansas residents would be able to carry a concealed weapon - without a license - under a measure being considered by state lawmakers. A state Senate committee took testimony on the idea today (THUR).
Currently, Kansans must pass a background check and attend a safety training course before receiving a concealed weapons permit.
The president of the Kansas State Rifle Association, Patricia Stoneking, says residents can already openly carry firearms without a license and this proposal is just an extension of that.
“Kansans should not have to pay the government and jump through all those hoops getting permission to exercise a constitutional right,” says Stoneking.
But critics question whether it's a good idea to let people carry concealed weapons without training.
Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach says it takes a license to drive a car and, for safety reasons, a license should also be required to carry a concealed firearm.
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Kansas residents would be able to carry a concealed weapon - without a license - under a measure being considered by state lawmakers. Supporters and opponents of the legislation sounded off before a Senate committee.
Currently, Kansans must pass a background check and attend a safety training course before receiving a concealed weapons permit.
The president of the Kansas State Rifle Association, Patricia Stoneking, says residents can already openly carry firearms without a license. She says it makes sense to expand that to concealed carry without a license.
“We have people 18 and up open carrying firearms now, and if their shirt accidentally covers their gun by current law that makes them in violation,” says Stoneking.
But critics question whether it's a good idea to let people carry concealed weapons without training. Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach says it takes a license to drive a car and, for safety reasons, it should take a license to carry a concealed firearm.