Backers say gun bill has a shot
Reloaded and trying to avoid a repeat of last year, gun advocates have returned with a bill that would let qualified Kansans carry hidden firearms.
by Brent D. Wistrom
Wichita Eagle

The proposal -- similar to one Sebelius vetoed last year -- would allow some Kansans to carry concealed guns. 

This year's legislation is almost identical to the proposal Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed last year. And, unless the bill changes, her aides said, it's likely to get blocked again.

But some legislators think the upcoming election could put more pressure on Sebelius to sign Senate Bill 418. The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee is expected to move the proposal to the Senate floor Tuesday.

Even if Sebelius vetoes the bill this year, Rep. Candy Ruff said, backers of the bill will work to secure enough votes to override a veto. A two-thirds vote of both the Senate and the House is necessary to override a veto.

"This is a bill that's going to become law one way or another," Ruff, D-Leavenworth, said. She is a leading supporter of the proposal.

Except for the upcoming elections, the concealed carry debate echoes what Kansans have heard for years.
This week, many of the same lobbyists offered the same arguments and studies as last year.

When it was over, the chairman asked whether anyone had questions.

Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, said he had a question that hadn't been answered: If carrying guns deters violence, why wouldn't having that firearm exposed be better than having it hidden?

Sen. Phil Journey, a long-time gun advocate and former president of the state's National Rifle Association affiliate, said concealed weapons are better because they keep criminals guessing. They never know whether the little old lady at a cash machine might have a pistol, he said.

Journey, R-Haysville, said criminals tend to take up less-confrontational crimes such as car theft after concealed carry laws pass.

That doesn't convince the opposition, which includes state law enforcement groups, city governments and schools.
Though not all the groups oppose the legislation outright, many want changes to greatly alter the bill.

The League of Kansas Municipalities wants to maintain local regulation of firearms, meaning gun laws could vary across the state.
For example, Wichita has a waiting period for gun purchases; laws that ban carrying a concealed gun, loaded or not; and a law against carrying a loaded weapon even if it is in plain sight.

The Kansas National Education Association asked that guns be barred not only from schools but also from all school- or college-sponsored activities.

Kelly Johnston, chairman of Safe State Kansas, opposes the proposal altogether.

He worries that Senate Bill 418 could pair with House Bill 2577, which blocks civil and criminal action in cases in which residents use deadly force against someone breaking into their houses.

Johnston said violent crime is down statewide and across the nation.

"Conceal carry has had nothing to do with it," he said. "That's a bogus, specious argument."