Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Concealed-carry controversy ongoing after Virginia Tech shootings
By Whitney Hodgin
Kansas State Collegian (Kansas State U.)
04/23/2007

(U-WIRE) MANHATTAN, Kan. — The issue of gun control has been discussed increasingly since the Virginia Tech shootings earlier this week.

Gun-control supporters say stronger laws are needed, while gun-rights advocates argue the whole mess would have been prevented if the victims could shoot back. One option the latter group suggests is the concealed-carrying of firearms, an issue that has been substantial in Kansas for more than a year.

Concealed weapon permits have been available in Kansas since the start of the year. City governments state-wide reacted by banning concealed weapons from city-owned land. The Kansas Legislature then passed House Bill 2528, which would have taken away that power from local governments had Gov. Kathleen Sebelius not vetoed it.

The Kansas Legislature may override Sebelius' veto of the bill. Supporters of the bill think current laws are too variable across the state and it is too easy for permit holders to unknowingly commit a crime.

Sebelius said she vetoed the bill because it allowed concealed guns at non-school youth athletic events like Little League, but she does not oppose a statewide policy.

"If it is in the interest of public safety to not have weapons at school-sponsored sporting events, it makes little sense to then prohibit local officials from banning guns at other sporting events," Sebelius said in a statement about the bill.

State law prohibits handguns at school sporting events and professional sporting events but not sports league events. Many cities have banned concealed weapons from city-owned venues.

Four-year permits to carry concealed weapons are available to Kansas residents 21 or older with no criminal background or history of mental illness or drug abuse. They also must complete an eight-hour safety class and pay $150 for the permit.

The licenses are available under the Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act, which also allows property owners to make concealed weapons illegal on their property by posting signs at the entrances.

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