Kansas Allowing Concealed Guns in Statehouse Without Permit

Visitors to the Kansas Statehouse can bring concealed guns into the historic building without a state permit under a new state law.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the new law took effect July 1. It ended a requirement for residents 21 and older to obtain a state permit to carry concealed firearms.

The state last year began allowing people to carry concealed guns into the Statehouse if they had a permit.

Ending the permit requirement means someone no longer must undergo a background check or complete eight hours of firearms training to carry a concealed gun.

Supporters of the new law said Kansas residents should be able to exercise their constitutionally protected right to own and carry guns in the Statehouse. Critics have safety concerns.