Kansas: Pro-gun Reforms Introduced in the First Week of Session

As the Kansas Legislature completes its first week of the 2013 legislative session, a number of pro-gun bills have already been introduced.  In addition to a number of technical changes, Senate Bill 21, introduced by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, would reform the state’s Right-to-Carry laws and strengthen the rights of Kansas’ law-abiding gun owners in several ways.

SB 21 is a Right-to-Carry reform that would make a number of important changes.  The most substantial change would allow for universal recognition of non-resident carry permits.  In other words, any law-abiding visitor from out-of-state with a valid state-issued carry permit would be allowed to carry a concealed handgun in Kansas.  This change would not only benefit concealed carry permit holders in other states, but it will also make it more likely that other states will recognize Kansas’ carry permit.

Also under SB 21, new Kansas residents who hold a valid concealed carry permit from their previous state of residence would be able to instantly apply for a Kansas permit instead of waiting to acquire their official Kansas resident status.   New residents would be granted a temporary “180-day receipt,” to carry on their old permit while their application is considered and processed.  The state Attorney General would also be able to create a list of states which meet or exceed Kansas’ requirements and that would automatically qualify for recognition for issuance of a Kansas permit.

Although SB 21 has yet to be assigned a hearing date, please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support this pro-gun reform.  Your NRA-ILA will continue to update you as more details become available.  To find your state Senator’s contact information, click here.