Yesterday, Governor Sam Brownback (R) signed House Bill 2578 into law. As previously reported here, HB 2578 passed unanimously in the Kansas House of Representatives on March 25, language from Senate Bill 447 was incorporated into HB 2578 and passed in the state Senate by a 37-2 vote on April 4, and HB 2578 was concurred by the state House of Representatives by a 102-19 vote on April 5. HB 2578 takes effect on July 1, 2014.
Among the many positive provisions for gun owners in the Sunflower State, HB 2578 will:
- Expand Kansas’ firearms preemption provisions to open carry and will prohibit municipalities from implementing local ordinances relating to the transportation of firearms. Whether you choose to carry concealed, open carry or carry a knife for self-defense, this legislation will eliminate the complex patchwork of gun laws that arise from local regulations.
- Ban the use of taxpayer funds for gun “buyback” programs. These programs are a waste of taxpayer dollars and have no proven impact on crime reduction. This bill will prohibit seized firearms not used in the commission of a felony from being destroyed by law enforcement agencies. These firearms, so long as they are in operable condition, would either be sold to a licensed gun dealer (FFL) or donated to hunter education programs. In addition, it would also mandate that if a firearm has been seized by law enforcement and the owner is acquitted of the charges or the charges are dropped, the firearm must be returned to the owner within thirty days.
- Prohibit county, city or municipal employers from maintaining a database of employee permit holders, ensuring confidentiality.
- Codify a “shall certify” requirement that a chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) sign off on an application to transfer an item regulated by the National Firearms Act, including short barreled rifles/shotguns and suppressors, within fifteen days, as long as the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving the item.
The NRA thanks Governor Brownback for signing this comprehensive pro-gun bill into law, as well as state Representatives Jim Howell (R-81) and Richard Carlson (R-61), the combined authors of this bill. Please express your thanks to Governor Brownback for his strong support of your Second Amendment rights by contacting him here.
Special thanks also go out to the House Federal and State Affairs Committee Chairman, Representative Steve Brunk (R-85); Vice-Chairman, Representative Travis Couture-Lovelady (R-110); as well as the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee Chairman, Senator Ralph Ostmeyer (R-40); and Vice Chairman, Senator Clark Shultz (R-35).