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The Kansas legislature has passed the current gun law reform bill by overwhelming margins and sent it to Governor Brownback for signature or veto. The bill, SB447, strengthens state preemption language that limits the power of local governments to chill the exercise of second amendment rights.
It requires adequate signage to prohibit the open carry of firearms by premises that choose to do so. There is no penalty for open carrying in such premises unless the open carrier refuses to leave when asked to do so.
Guns that are forfeited to law enforcement agencies are required to be sold at auction unless used in a homicide.
Government employees are allowed to carry weapons if they have a concealed carry permit. Local governments are given immunity from lawsuit for employees that commit a wrongful act with a firearm, and are not allowed to ask if employees have a concealed carry license as a condition of employment.
Firearms may not be carried while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The same standards that apply to drunk driving are applied to use of weapons.
A broad knife preemption is part of this package, part of a trend that recognizes that knives are arms protected by the second amendment.
Kansas has restored significant portions of second amendment rights in recent years. It seems likely that Governor Brownback will sign this legislation. He signed firearms reform legislation a year ago on April 16th. This law builds on that reform.
The final vote was 102-19.
©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
Link to Gun Watch