KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The attorney general’s office received more than 9,800 applications for concealed carry licenses in the recently ended 2015 fiscal year, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.
Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 9,805 applications. This was the fourth-highest year on record. Since the licensing program first began in 2006, the office has received more than 100,000 applications.
Schmidt said that while the Legislature passed a law earlier this year allowing eligible Kansans to carry concealed without a license, he expects the licensing program to remain popular.
“There are still a number of benefits for Kansans who obtain concealed carry licenses,” Schmidt said. “Most notably, Kansas licenses are recognized by 36 other states, most of which still require a permit in order to carry concealed.”
Schmidt also encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities. He also reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signage.
Currently, more than 90,000 Kansans have active concealed carry permits. More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Sen. Pettey, Rep. Lusk introduce bill to extend concealed carry exemption
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Senator Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, and Representative Nancy Lusk, D-Overland Park, introduced today a bill called the Safe Communities Amendment.
It amends the Personal Family Protection Act to give municipalities the right to file for four-year exemptions from allowing concealed carry in their buildings.
It amends the Personal Family Protection Act to give municipalities the right to file for four-year exemptions from allowing concealed carry in their buildings.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
KU students, staff sound off on possibility of concealed carry of guns in campus buildings
By SARA SHEPHERD, The Lawrence Journal-World
For Kansas University student MaryRose Scarpelli, the question of whether people with concealed carry permits should be allowed to take guns into campus buildings isn’t black and white.
“I see the appeal, and I do believe in our right to bear arms,” said Scarpelli, a junior from Overland Park. “But I also would feel a little uncomfortable with someone sitting next to me with a gun in a holster in my archeology class.”
On the hill, comfort level varies when it comes to concealed weapons in university buildings. As university officials plan for a new law that will allow them, students and faculty members have strong views, falling on both sides of the debate.
In April, Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a measure authorizing those who get licenses to carry concealed weapons into any state or municipal building except those that have “adequate security measures” such as metal detectors or trained guards.
Universities have been granted a four-year exemption.
The Kansas Board of Regents has directed universities to conduct building-by-building assessments to address the impact of allowing concealed carry, a process expected to take the better part of a year.
For Kansas University student MaryRose Scarpelli, the question of whether people with concealed carry permits should be allowed to take guns into campus buildings isn’t black and white.
“I see the appeal, and I do believe in our right to bear arms,” said Scarpelli, a junior from Overland Park. “But I also would feel a little uncomfortable with someone sitting next to me with a gun in a holster in my archeology class.”
On the hill, comfort level varies when it comes to concealed weapons in university buildings. As university officials plan for a new law that will allow them, students and faculty members have strong views, falling on both sides of the debate.
In April, Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a measure authorizing those who get licenses to carry concealed weapons into any state or municipal building except those that have “adequate security measures” such as metal detectors or trained guards.
Universities have been granted a four-year exemption.
The Kansas Board of Regents has directed universities to conduct building-by-building assessments to address the impact of allowing concealed carry, a process expected to take the better part of a year.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Regents want to know what concealed carry would mean for each building on each public college campus
By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents has directed universities to conduct a building-by-building assessment on their campuses of the impact of allowing concealed carry of guns.
"We are trying to educate ourselves," said Regents Chairman Fred Logan Jr. of Leawood.
Legislation approved last session and signed into law by Gov. Sam Brownback expanded where people with concealed carry permits can take their guns.
The new law allows the weapons into public buildings that don't have certain types of security measures, such as metal detectors and trained guards.
Many of these public entities, including universities, have received temporary exemptions under the law. Universities have taken a four-year exemption.
But after 2017, campus buildings must allow concealed carry unless the building has adequate security.
Logan said a building-by-building study may help the regents and legislators determine if there need to be any changes or future exceptions to the law.
TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents has directed universities to conduct a building-by-building assessment on their campuses of the impact of allowing concealed carry of guns.
"We are trying to educate ourselves," said Regents Chairman Fred Logan Jr. of Leawood.
Legislation approved last session and signed into law by Gov. Sam Brownback expanded where people with concealed carry permits can take their guns.
The new law allows the weapons into public buildings that don't have certain types of security measures, such as metal detectors and trained guards.
Many of these public entities, including universities, have received temporary exemptions under the law. Universities have taken a four-year exemption.
But after 2017, campus buildings must allow concealed carry unless the building has adequate security.
Logan said a building-by-building study may help the regents and legislators determine if there need to be any changes or future exceptions to the law.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Kansas Board of Regents indicates it will pursue in-depth study of new concealed carry law
By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
VALLEY FALLS, KAN. — The Kansas Board of Regents on Tuesday indicated it would pursue an in-depth study of the recent law that will allow concealed carry of handguns on the campuses of higher education institutions.
The board had opposed expansion of concealed carry, but during the last legislative session the Legislature approved the proposal by wide margins and Gov. Sam Brownback signed it into law.
The new law allows licensed concealed carry on public college campuses, but gave schools up to a four-year reprieve from the law.
The regents have taken an immediate six-month exemption for universities, and could later file for the longer exemption, which would extend through 2017.
The regents discussed the issue during their annual retreat here on Tuesday. Chairman Fred Logan said the regents need to study if there are areas on campuses where concealed carry shouldn't be allowed, such as at athletic events or in classrooms or certain laboratories.
"It's naive to believe that any time soon we are going to go to a generalized exemption," Logan said.
VALLEY FALLS, KAN. — The Kansas Board of Regents on Tuesday indicated it would pursue an in-depth study of the recent law that will allow concealed carry of handguns on the campuses of higher education institutions.
The board had opposed expansion of concealed carry, but during the last legislative session the Legislature approved the proposal by wide margins and Gov. Sam Brownback signed it into law.
The new law allows licensed concealed carry on public college campuses, but gave schools up to a four-year reprieve from the law.
The regents have taken an immediate six-month exemption for universities, and could later file for the longer exemption, which would extend through 2017.
The regents discussed the issue during their annual retreat here on Tuesday. Chairman Fred Logan said the regents need to study if there are areas on campuses where concealed carry shouldn't be allowed, such as at athletic events or in classrooms or certain laboratories.
"It's naive to believe that any time soon we are going to go to a generalized exemption," Logan said.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Kansas sets one-year concealed-carry application record
TOPEKA, KAN. ---- A record number of Kansans applied for permits to carry concealed handguns during the recently ended Fiscal Year 2013, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced today.
Schmidt said his office received 25,340 applications for concealed carry permits between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013.
This number was more than double the previous fiscal-year record of 12,408 permit applications in Fiscal Year 2012.
Schmidt's office administers the concealed carry licensing program. The law enacting the program was created by the 2006 Kansas Legislature. Concealed carry permits have been issued in the state since 2007.
As of July 1, there are 63,455 active concealed carry permits issued by the State of Kansas. One year ago, on July 1, 2012, the number of active permits was 44,307.
The Attorney General's Office is currently processing permit applications in 82 days or less except those awaiting additional information.
Details about the latest concealed carry statistics can be found by visiting the Kansas Attorney General's website at www.ag.ks.gov.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Hundreds of public entities take temporary exemption from concealed carry expansion
By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
TOPEKA — More than 400 cities, counties, libraries, hospitals and organizations have notified the state that they have exempted themselves for at least six months from the new law that expanded the concealed carry of guns, according to records obtained by the Lawrence Journal-World.
That means thousands of buildings and facilities across the state — from city halls to swimming pools — will remain off limits until at least Jan. 1, 2014, to guns held by those with concealed carry licenses.
And in notifying the attorney general's office, some officials expressed displeasure with the law that took effect Monday.
" … this unfunded mandate reflects a lack of understanding of the essential functions of local government and exacerbates public safety problems," said Steven Opat, Geary County attorney.
David Lybarger, chairman of the board of directors of the Anderson County Hospital, said, "Carrying of concealed weapons poses risks to staff and patients and could interfere with our ability to provide care in a timely manner."
TOPEKA — More than 400 cities, counties, libraries, hospitals and organizations have notified the state that they have exempted themselves for at least six months from the new law that expanded the concealed carry of guns, according to records obtained by the Lawrence Journal-World.
That means thousands of buildings and facilities across the state — from city halls to swimming pools — will remain off limits until at least Jan. 1, 2014, to guns held by those with concealed carry licenses.
And in notifying the attorney general's office, some officials expressed displeasure with the law that took effect Monday.
" … this unfunded mandate reflects a lack of understanding of the essential functions of local government and exacerbates public safety problems," said Steven Opat, Geary County attorney.
David Lybarger, chairman of the board of directors of the Anderson County Hospital, said, "Carrying of concealed weapons poses risks to staff and patients and could interfere with our ability to provide care in a timely manner."
Thursday, June 6, 2013
AG Schmidt: May concealed carry applications lower
For the first time this year, the monthly total of Kansas concealed carry applications dropped below 3,000, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.
In May, 2,032 Kansans applied for concealed carry permits, down from 3,462 in April. But the May total was still higher than any other month in the program’s history prior to this year. Before January, the one-month record was 1,651 applications received in March 2012.
In the first five months of 2013, Schmidt’s office received 16,302 new concealed carry applications. There are currently 60,037 active concealed carry licensees in Kansas.
Schmidt said his office is continuing to process the applications in a timely manner while ensuring complete and accurate review of each application as required by law.
Currently, applications are being processed in 80 days or less except for those that are pending the receipt of additional information.
In May, 2,032 Kansans applied for concealed carry permits, down from 3,462 in April. But the May total was still higher than any other month in the program’s history prior to this year. Before January, the one-month record was 1,651 applications received in March 2012.
In the first five months of 2013, Schmidt’s office received 16,302 new concealed carry applications. There are currently 60,037 active concealed carry licensees in Kansas.
Schmidt said his office is continuing to process the applications in a timely manner while ensuring complete and accurate review of each application as required by law.
Currently, applications are being processed in 80 days or less except for those that are pending the receipt of additional information.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Higher education officials say concealed carry on campus probably inevitable in the future
By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
The Kansas Board of Regents is expected to adopt a temporary resolution to keep in place the current no-weapons policy at the state universities, including Kansas University.
But having guns on campuses in some form in the future is probably inevitable, according to Regents Vice Chairman Fred Logan Jr.
The move comes in response to a measure signed into law last month by Gov. Sam Brownback that authorizes concealed carry licensees to carry a concealed handgun into any state or municipal building except those that have "adequate security measures," such as metal detectors.
But university and municipal buildings can be exempted from the provision for up to four years.
Leaders at KU and other regents universities have said they don't want concealed carry on campuses.
The resolution, which will be considered by the full board on Thursday, would provide a temporary exemption from the new law.
The Kansas Board of Regents is expected to adopt a temporary resolution to keep in place the current no-weapons policy at the state universities, including Kansas University.
But having guns on campuses in some form in the future is probably inevitable, according to Regents Vice Chairman Fred Logan Jr.
The move comes in response to a measure signed into law last month by Gov. Sam Brownback that authorizes concealed carry licensees to carry a concealed handgun into any state or municipal building except those that have "adequate security measures," such as metal detectors.
But university and municipal buildings can be exempted from the provision for up to four years.
Leaders at KU and other regents universities have said they don't want concealed carry on campuses.
The resolution, which will be considered by the full board on Thursday, would provide a temporary exemption from the new law.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Over 3,000 more concealed carry applications filed in Kansas during April
More than 3,000 Kansans applied for concealed carry permits during the month of April, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.
Schmidt said his office received 3,462 applications for concealed carry permits during April. While this number is down slightly from the record month in March, it is still the third-highest month since the concealed carry licensing program began in 2007.
It represents a 140 percent increase from the 1,442 permit applications that were received in April 2012.
Schmidt said his office is working diligently to process the applications in a timely manner while ensuring complete and accurate review of each application as required by law. Currently, applications are being processed in 89 days or less except for those that are pending the receipt of additional information.
Since last fall, additional staff have been hired or temporarily reassigned to assist in processing the sharp increase in applications, more than doubling the number of people assigned to the processing of concealed carry permit applications compared with this time last year.
Investigators who conduct applicants’ backgrounds checks are working overtime. The Legislature is still considering the attorney general’s request for authority to hire up to three additional licensing personnel in order to reduce processing time.
In the first four months of 2013, Schmidt’s office received 14,274 new concealed carry applications. There are currently 55,988 active concealed carry licensees in Kansas.
Schmidt said his office received 3,462 applications for concealed carry permits during April. While this number is down slightly from the record month in March, it is still the third-highest month since the concealed carry licensing program began in 2007.
It represents a 140 percent increase from the 1,442 permit applications that were received in April 2012.
Schmidt said his office is working diligently to process the applications in a timely manner while ensuring complete and accurate review of each application as required by law. Currently, applications are being processed in 89 days or less except for those that are pending the receipt of additional information.
Since last fall, additional staff have been hired or temporarily reassigned to assist in processing the sharp increase in applications, more than doubling the number of people assigned to the processing of concealed carry permit applications compared with this time last year.
Investigators who conduct applicants’ backgrounds checks are working overtime. The Legislature is still considering the attorney general’s request for authority to hire up to three additional licensing personnel in order to reduce processing time.
In the first four months of 2013, Schmidt’s office received 14,274 new concealed carry applications. There are currently 55,988 active concealed carry licensees in Kansas.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Gov. Brownback signs into law concealed carry measure; campuses exempt for four years
The Lawrence Journal-World
Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a bill that loosens restrictions on carrying concealed weapons into public buildings, but don't expect any guns to be allowed on campus at Kansas University any time soon.
The law permits universities, community colleges and technical colleges to prohibit concealed guns in their buildings for another four years.
"Our students would rather not have them," said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "There is not a group on campus as a whole that would prefer to have concealed carry on campus."
Kansas Board of Regents Chairman Tim Emert said the regents would start studying the issue of concealed carry and get input from experts and legislators. "That doesn't mean there will be any changes," he said. The current policy is no concealed carry at institutions of higher education.
Regent Vice Chair Fred Logan Jr. said the regents will probably discuss the issue further this fall.
The law, which takes effect July 1, also allows state agencies and local governments to continue banning concealed weapons through 2017, but it requires them to declare publicly that they've developed plans for adequate security for their buildings.
Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a bill that loosens restrictions on carrying concealed weapons into public buildings, but don't expect any guns to be allowed on campus at Kansas University any time soon.
The law permits universities, community colleges and technical colleges to prohibit concealed guns in their buildings for another four years.
"Our students would rather not have them," said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "There is not a group on campus as a whole that would prefer to have concealed carry on campus."
Kansas Board of Regents Chairman Tim Emert said the regents would start studying the issue of concealed carry and get input from experts and legislators. "That doesn't mean there will be any changes," he said. The current policy is no concealed carry at institutions of higher education.
Regent Vice Chair Fred Logan Jr. said the regents will probably discuss the issue further this fall.
The law, which takes effect July 1, also allows state agencies and local governments to continue banning concealed weapons through 2017, but it requires them to declare publicly that they've developed plans for adequate security for their buildings.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Kansas sets another concealed carry registrations record
For the third consecutive month, a record number of Kansans applied for permits to carry concealed handguns, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced today.
Schmidt said his office received 4,072 applications for concealed carry permits during March, which is a new single-month record. The previous record was set in February, when 3,573 permit applications were received.
In the first quarter of 2013, 10,812 new concealed carry applications were submitted to the Kansas Attorney General’s office. There are currently 53,272 active concealed carry licensees in Kansas.
Schmidt’s office administers the concealed carry licensing program.
Schmidt said his office received 4,072 applications for concealed carry permits during March, which is a new single-month record. The previous record was set in February, when 3,573 permit applications were received.
In the first quarter of 2013, 10,812 new concealed carry applications were submitted to the Kansas Attorney General’s office. There are currently 53,272 active concealed carry licensees in Kansas.
Schmidt’s office administers the concealed carry licensing program.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Duel begins over concealed carry in public buildings
By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
Gun enthusiasts on Monday pushed for legislation that would allow concealed carry of a gun in public buildings and prohibit local governments from regulations on carrying firearms.
Currently, state, county and city governments can prevent concealed carry of guns in their buildings if they post a gun-free sign.
Under House Bill 2055, people with concealed carry licenses could bring their weapons into public buildings if the building didn't have adequate security measures, such as metal detectors and security personnel.
"Posting the no-carry sign is tantamount to placing a bulls-eye on that facility," said Patricia Stoneking, president of the Kansas State Rifle Association.
"It only provides a risk-free, victim-rich environment for criminals," she told the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.
Al Terwelp, state chair of the Kansas Libertarian Party, said the measure was needed "to help protect law enforcement and law-abiding citizens who choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights in Kansas."
But cities, counties and other groups opposed the measure.
Gun enthusiasts on Monday pushed for legislation that would allow concealed carry of a gun in public buildings and prohibit local governments from regulations on carrying firearms.
Currently, state, county and city governments can prevent concealed carry of guns in their buildings if they post a gun-free sign.
Under House Bill 2055, people with concealed carry licenses could bring their weapons into public buildings if the building didn't have adequate security measures, such as metal detectors and security personnel.
"Posting the no-carry sign is tantamount to placing a bulls-eye on that facility," said Patricia Stoneking, president of the Kansas State Rifle Association.
"It only provides a risk-free, victim-rich environment for criminals," she told the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.
Al Terwelp, state chair of the Kansas Libertarian Party, said the measure was needed "to help protect law enforcement and law-abiding citizens who choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights in Kansas."
But cities, counties and other groups opposed the measure.
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