In Kansas, Permit-Free Concealed Carry Signed Into Law

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback (R) has signed permitless-carry legislation into law making Kansas the sixth “Constitutional Carry” state.

Brownback said, “This is a major piece of legislation that’s passed the strong bipartisan support, recognizing strong Constitutional amendments. And the states that have these, they haven’t seen an increase in gun violence, and in some studies, they’re showing a lessening.”

Senate Bill 45 passed in the Kansas Senate on February 26 by a 31 to 7 vote, passed in the Kansas House of Representatives on March 25 by an 85 to 39 vote, and was then concurred on by the Senate on March 25 by a 31 to 8 vote.

Brownback signed the law April 2. SB 45 takes effect on July 1st.

SB 45 allows legal carry of a concealed firearm without the requirement of acquiring a Kansas concealed carry handgun license (CCHL).

In Kansas, it is already legal to carry a firearm openly, as long as the individual is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. However, under current law, if a firearm becomes covered by a coat or if a woman prefers to carry a firearm for self-protection in her purse, he or she would need to possess a CCHL.

Kansas has now become the sixth state to remove its restriction on concealed carrying a firearm without a license. This law gives Kansas residents the freedom to choose the best method of carrying for them, based on their attire, gender and/or physical attributes.

This law also keeps in place the current permitting system, so that people who obtain a permit could still enjoy the reciprocity agreements that Kansas has with other states and their NICS exemption when purchasing a new firearm.

The new law, which applies to adults at least 21 years of age, also eliminates the weapons-training mandate.

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