Another victory for right to carry

[Travis Coates]

RIGHT TO CARRY REFORM
GOES TO THE GOVERNOR
SB 306 Passes With Overwhelming
Vote in House and Senate


SB 306, Right To Carry Reform Bill passed the Kansas House with a vote of 103-15 and the Kansas Senate with a vote of 37-2. This is an overwhelming veto proof margin. The Governor is expected to sign this bill into law. Please call or email him and urge him to sign this bill. Contact info is below.

Here is what this bill does:


1. Redefines "dependent" - allows non-resident military dependents to apply for CCW permits.
2. Loosens reciprocity language by changing "equal" to "reasonably similar". Before states had to have equal or greater rules for reciprocity to occur.
3. New state residents can carry on their old reciprocal permits until their new permit is issued by state of KS.
4. Removes 6 month waiting period for new KS residents.
5. Removes the state prohibition on individuals with "diversions" from applying for CCW permits.
6. Strikes repetitive language for disqualifiers in statute and inserts federal language.
7. Removes all state disqualifiers that are inconsistent with state firearms possession laws K.S.A 21-4204 and federal disqualifiers under 18 USC 922.
8. CCW permit from recognized state will satisfy training requirement.
9. Requires that fees collected by sheriffs can only be used to administer this act. --Currently the Sherriff can use the funds any way they want.
10. Limits access to CCW permit records to "legitimate law enforcement use". These were not Public Record, But Law Enforcement had no restrictions on when they could look at them.
11. Lowers fees on initial permit cost: $100.00 to AG and $32.50 to Sheriff. Total $132.50. Previously it was $150 to the AG and $40.00 to the Sherriff.
12. Lowes total fee on renewal to $25. All renewals will be processed through AG. No trip to Sheriff's office. This had never been set, Since Kansas got CCW in 2007 no one expires until 2011.
13. No fingerprint requirement for renewal.
14. Establishes specific limitations for prohibited places - only buildings, no parking lots. This has changed twice already and Folks keep pushing the limits on posting property. There is no grey area now. After the last revsion we were left with "Facilities" Which was confusing as to what constituded a Facility.
15. Lowers penalties for fines for prohibited places violations. No longer a Felony to carry past sign.
16. Specific definitions provided for buildings and parking lots. More Of #14
17. Establishes specific limitations for carrying prohibitions in federally restricted areas. Brings in line with National Park Carry
18. Sets new standard for positioning of signs in visible areas. Prior a gun buster could be placed anywhere on the building and be leagally binding. And believe me Onwers got creative. Now it has to be no more than 2 feet from the door at eye level, and cannot be obstructe by any means.
19. Remove implied consent provisions with regard to CUI's. Before Having a premitt was implied consent to be checked for Carring under the influence.
20. Addresses inconsistencies to KPFPA that exist in other areas of Kansas Statute with regard to firearms possession prohibitions. `

A lot of great improvements for the concealed carry law this year!

I want to acknowledge Jordan Austin, NRA Liaison for all of his hard work, help and support in making this happen.

I would also like to suggest that you contact your legislators and let them know how much we appreciate their work and vote to pass this important piece of concealed carry reform legislation.

Following is an alert sent to NRA members today on this subject:


Kansas: Right to Carry Reform Moves to Governor's Desk


On Thursday, March 6, Senate Bill 306 successfully passed out of the House and Senate by votes of 103 to 15 and 37 to 2 respectively. The bill now heads to Governor Mark Parkinson's (D) desk for his consideration.

NRA has been working closely with the Kansas State Rifle Association (KSRA) and the Attorney General's office to clean up and streamline the state's concealed carry statute.As written, the bill would remove many redundant and burdensome provisions of the statute and could allow for a much smoother issuing and renewal process. SB306 would also lower the initial application and renewal fee.

Please contact Governor Parkinson and respectfully urge him to support SB 306. Also please thank your legislators for their hard work and support for this bill.To contact your legislator please click here. Contact information for the Governor is listed below.

Governor Mark Parkinson (D)
785-296-3232

This is from the KSRA website. Clearly we're on a roll