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NRA – ILA
Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- The Kansas House Federal and State Affairs Committee considered two pro-gun reforms this week that would expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
House Bill 2055, introduced by the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense in any public building that lacks adequate security.
This committee also considered Senate Bill 21, introduced by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which would make a number of technical, but significant improvements to the state Right-to-Carry laws.
Both of these bills are now awaiting a vote in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.
HB 2055 would be a significant step towards reducing the number of “gun-free zones” that are so often the targets of crime. Under this bill, any government or public building that prohibits the carrying of concealed firearms for self-defense would be required to screen all visitors for weapons. This would ensure that ALL people who enter the buildings are disarmed, not just the law-abiding citizens who choose to follow the law. If a building lacks the adequate security measures necessary to screen all visitors, then citizens with a concealed carry license would be allowed to carry a firearm to protect themselves while visiting that particular building. The NRA has supported similar legislation in past sessions and will continue to support these types of proposals.
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.
Both HB 2055 and SB 21 are awaiting a vote in committee which could be as early as next week. Please contact members of this committee and politely urge them to support these pro-gun reforms when they come up for a vote.
House Federal and State Affairs Committee:
Representative Arlen Siegfried – Chairman
Phone: 785 368-7166
Email :arlen.siegfreid@house.ks.gov
Representative Steve Brunk – Vice Chairman
Phone: 785 296-7645
Email: steve.brunk@house.ks.gov
Representative Louis Ruiz
Phone: 785 296-7122
Email: louis.ruiz@house.ks.gov
Representative Larry Campbell
Phone: 785 296-7632
Email: larry.campbell@house.ks.gov
Representative J.R. Claeys
Phone: 785 296-7670
Email: jrclaeys@house.ks.gov
Representative Susan Concannon
Phone: 785 296-7677
Email: susan.concannon@house.ks.gov
Representative Ken Corbet
Phone: 785 296-7679
Email: ken.corbet@house.ks.gov
Representative Travis Couture-Lovelady
Phone: 785 296-4683
Email: travis.couture-lovelady@house.ks.gov
Representative Willie Dove
Phone: 785 296-7670
Email: willie.dove@house.ks.gov
Representative John Ewy
Phone: 785 296-7105
Email: john.ewy@house.ks.gov
Representative Shanti Ghandi
Phone: 785 296-7672
Email: shanti.gandhi@house.ks.gov
Representative Broderick Henderson
Phone: 785 296-7697
Email: broderick.henderson@house.ks.gov
Representative Brett Hildabrand
Phone: 785 296-7659
Email: brett.hildabrand@house.ks.gov
Representative Michael Houser
Phone: 785 296-7679
Email: michael.houser@house.ks.gov
Representative Robert Montgomery
Phone: 785 296-7677
Email: bob.montgomery@house.ks.gov
Representative Emily Perry
Phone: 785 296-7669
Email: emily.perry@house.ks.gov
Representative Mike Peterson
Phone: 785 296-7371
Email: michael.peterson@house.ks.gov
Representative Reid Petty
Phone: 785 296-7676
Email: reid.petty@house.ks.gov
Representative Marty Read
Phone: 785 296-7310
Email: marty.read@house.ks.gov
Representative Allan Rothlisberg
Phone: 785 296-7653
Email: allan.rothlisberg@house.ks.gov
Representative Annie Tietze
Phone: 785 296-7668
Email: annie.tietze@house.ks.gov
Representative Ponka-We Victors
Phone: 785 296-7651
Email: ponka-we.victors@house.ks.gov
Representative Troy Waymaster
Phone: 785 296-7672
Email: troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov
Another bill of interest to sportsmen and hunters and Kansas was filed yesterday. Senate Bill 223, introduced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee, would allow all hunters the opportunity to use a crossbow during big game archery season. This bill would help increase hunter participation and preserve Kansas’ rich hunting heritage at a time when hunter numbers are rapidly declining across the country. It has been shown that older hunters tend to remain in the hunting ranks many decades longer if they are allowed to use a crossbow, giving them more time to help recruit the next generation of hunters. Also, youngsters who lack the physical strength to adequately draw and shoot vertical archery equipment are able to participate in the archery season at an earlier age. At this time, SB 223 has yet to be assigned a hearing date, but please stay tuned to www.nraila.org for updates.
About:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org
If we play our cards right, this gun control could be the biggest pro-gun movement our country has ever seen. As long as everyone emails those representing them and tell them how we feel, if they don’t vote with the majority, we can look at it as being illegal and not follow the laws. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am not going to submit to any new gun laws. Hey, if they are intent on making us criminals, so be it. They can’t handle the real ones they have.