Kansas Senate Advances Bill Voiding Local Gun Rules

The Kansas Senate has rejected a proposal to keep concealed guns out of libraries and local community centers.

Senators considered Kansas City Democrat Pat Pettey’s proposal Tuesday before giving first-round approval to a bill stripping cities and counties of their power to regulate guns.

Pettey offered her proposal as an amendment. The Senate rejected it on a voice vote and then advanced the measure on a voice vote.

The Senate plans to take final action on the bill Wednesday to determine whether it goes to the House.

Pettey wanted to change a law enacted last year requiring local governments to allow state permit holders to carry concealed guns into public buildings after 2017 unless the buildings have adequate security. Pettey wanted to exempt libraries and community centers.