Posted on 02/03/2006 9:31:26 AM PST by neverdem
The Star's Topeka correspondent
TOPEKA - Kansas is one of only four states that offer no concealed weapons permits. Advocates of concealed weapons say they hope election-year politics may change that.
As they have for years, pro-gun lawmakers are pushing a bill that would set up a permit process for residents who want to carry a concealed firearm. Similar measures have passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate in recent years, but have always met with a gubernatorial veto.
This year, however, is a re-election year for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and proponents of the right-to-carry measure say the Democratic governor may not want to risk the political fallout with another veto.
"This may be the year," said Sen. Phil Journey, a Haysville Republican and the author of the bill. Journey said the November election could "clarify" the issue for Sebelius.
Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said the governor will wait to see what form the bill takes before deciding on a response. But Corcoran said that if the Legislature passes a bill very similar to the one Sebelius already vetoed, "then I would expect the same outcome."
Journey's bill would allow concealed weapons permits for state residents over age 21 who pass a background check, complete a training course, and have never been convicted of a felony. Residents with a criminal background of domestic violence, two drunken driving convictions or other certain offenses would be barred from the permit process.
Concealed weapons would be prohibited in certain areas, such as state government offices, schools, colleges, day-care centers, bars, sporting events, and any business that posts a sign banning them.
Missouri has a concealed weapons law, as do 45 other states.
Gun rights groups such as the National Rifle Association argue concealed weapons laws are consistent with the right to bear arms and allow citizens to protect themselves. Journey, past president of the state NRA affiliate, said the bill could lead to a reduction in violent crime.
But others aren't so sure they want residents armed with concealed weapons.
Law enforcement groups, including the Lenexa and Overland Park police departments, worry it could lead to violent confrontations between citizens or violence against police. The Overland Park Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill because it says signs are not enough to deter someone from carrying a gun into a business.
And the League of Kansas Municipalities and Wyandotte County argue it should be up to local cities and counties to decide whether to allow concealed weapons.
Kelly Johnston, chairman of Safe State Kansas, a group dedicated to preventing gun violence, said there's no need for concealed weapons in Kansas. He said it could lead to gunplay between citizens, cause fatal accidents and allow those with permits from other states to carry weapons without passing a Kansas background check.
"It's an unsafe bill, and it's unwise public policy," he said.
In 2004, a concealed weapons bill passed the House and Senate, but was vetoed by Sebelius. Gov. Bill Graves, a Republican, also vetoed the measure in 1997.
Sebelius has long said she would support concealed weapons permits for retired law enforcement officers.
A two-thirds vote of both the Senate and the House is necessary to override the veto of a governor.
On the Web
Bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org
The bill number is SB 418.
To reach David Klepper, The Star's Topeka correspondent, send e-mail to dklepper@kcstar.com or call 1- (785) 354-1388 .
Not holding my breath....Like a Republican rhino Gov. Graves wouldn't even sign into law, wadda ya think a Demo Gov would do?
Why isn't this happening in the other 46 states, then?
Laws for thee but not for me.
Like a law abiding citizen is going to get into an armed confrontation with a LEO over a speeding ticket or something.
The criminals that get into armed confrontations with LEOs are NOT going to care if this passes or not with regards to confrontation with police, they're still going to carry.
The criminals DON'T want this to pass because then they never know when they might try to prey upon a concealed carry citizen that might have a chance to fight back.
You hear the same tired argument over and over and from the same sides. Shootouts. Blah Blah. It is only after a law is passsed and citizens begin carrying that their fears prove untrue.
I intend to send a letter to Mr. Johnson asking him that very question.
Governor Sebelius, AKA Hillary's sister, will find any number of reasons to veto the bill. I suspect she will use the excuse we need casino gambling first over guns. In reality she wants to increase state spending even more to fund her social programs.
So many FReepers can't understand why I don't consider myself a Republican.
I sent an email to my senator regarding this. She replied that she would support a "reasonable" concealed carry bill. We shall see and I'm not holding my breath either.
I understand perfectly, because Vratil is my senator.
Have you emailed that question to safe state yet? I wonder what the response would be.
ping
Too many rinos and a RAT governor. The last rino governor, graves, claimed we didn't need CC because anybody with a hunting or fishing license could carry. Try that excuse with a cop.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.