House Bill 2578, signed into law by Governor Sam Brownback (R) on April 22, went into effect today, July 1. HB 2578 includes many important protections for gun owners in Kansas and does the following:
- Expands Kansas’ firearms preemption provisions to open carry and prohibits municipalities from adopting and enforcing 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 result from local regulations.
- Bans the use of taxpayer funds for gun “buyback” programs. These programs are a waste of taxpayer dollars and have no proven impact on violent crime reduction. This new law prohibits 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.
- Prohibits county, city or municipal employers from maintaining a database of employee permit holders thus ensuring confidentiality.
- Codifies 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.
Senate Bill 357, signed into law by Governor Brownback on May 14, also took effect today. SB 357 increases the number of times an individual over age sixteen can apply for an apprentice hunting license and provide them with the opportunity to enjoy this activity while learning from an experienced mentor.
Previously, Kansas allows anyone over age sixteen to apply for an apprentice license once before requiring they attend hunter education. This requirement hindered those interested in learning from an experienced family member or friend because of weather conditions, game populations or other factors potentially limiting the hunting experience of an apprentice who was only allowed a one-time deferral. Increasing this deferral allowance will assist new hunters in their endeavor to learn and allow more individuals to participate in Kansas’ rich hunting heritage.
Your NRA-ILA thanks you for your active involvement during the 2014 legislative session, which helped ensure these measures were passed and became law. As always, please stay tuned to www.nraila.org for future updates.