Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB116

Introduced
1/27/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Report Pass
2/9/23  
Engrossed
2/17/23  
Refer
2/17/23  
Report Pass
3/20/23  
Enrolled
4/24/23  

Caption

House Substitute for SB 116 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Removing state agency fees for licenses to carry concealed handguns.

Impact

If enacted, SB116 would markedly alter the landscape of gun ownership regulations in Kansas. The bill's removal of state agency fees is seen as a positive development for gun rights advocates who argue that the financial burden associated with obtaining a license should be minimized to encourage responsible ownership. Additionally, the changes in renewal requirements could encourage more individuals to maintain their licenses, potentially increasing the number of legally carried concealed handguns. Critics, however, may express concerns that removing fees and simplifying renewals could lead to an increase in firearm accessibility without adequate checks in place.

Summary

Senate Bill 116 introduces significant changes to the licensing process for individuals seeking concealed carry permits for handguns in Kansas. The primary focus of the bill is to eliminate state agency fees associated with obtaining and renewing these licenses, specifically repealing certain provisions within existing state laws. By doing so, it aims to reduce financial barriers for residents wishing to exercise their right to carry concealed firearms. The bill also modifies requirements for renewal applications, easing restrictions around fingerprint submissions for license renewals, which would streamline the process for applicants.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB116 appears to be generally supportive among pro-gun advocacy groups and some lawmakers who view the bill as a step toward enhancing Second Amendment rights. Supporters argue that reducing fees and simplifying processes align with the values of personal freedom and responsibility. In contrast, opponents might raise issues regarding public safety, stressing the importance of thorough oversight in the gun licensing process. This divide reflects broader national debates about gun rights and regulation, with this bill positioned as an emblematic example of local legislative trends aimed at expanding access to firearms.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB116 include the potential implications of lowering barriers to concealed carry ownership and the perceived risks associated with less stringent regulations. Opponents of the bill may argue that simplifying the licensing process could result in greater challenges in ensuring that those who carry firearms are adequately vetted and responsible. As such, discussions around SB116 illustrate the ongoing tension between promoting individual rights and ensuring community safety in the context of firearm ownership.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB7

Authorizing federally licensed firearm dealers, in addition to county sheriffs, to receive applications for concealed carry licenses and forward such applications to the attorney general, prohibiting sheriffs from assessing any fee related to application services and allowing dealers to assess a fee related to application services not to exceed $20.

KS HB2052

Updating cross references in the personal and family protection act regarding the eligibility requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun, requiring the surrender of a suspended or revoked license, providing for a transition from a provisional license to a standard license and prohibiting the collection of personal information of an off-duty law enforcement officer entering buildings while armed or requiring such officer to wear any item identifying such person as a law enforcement officer or being armed.

KS SB43

Updating cross references in the personal and family protection act regarding the eligibility requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun, requiring the surrender of a suspended or revoked license, providing for a transition from a provisional license to a standard license and prohibiting the collection of personal information of an off-duty law enforcement officer entering buildings while armed or requiring such officer to wear any item identifying such person as a law enforcement officer or being armed.

KS SB244

House Substitute for SB 244 by Committee on Judiciary - Requiring the designation of multiple-occupancy private spaces in public buildings for use by only one sex and imposing criminal and civil penalties for violations, defining the term "gender" to mean biological sex at birth for purposes of statutory construction, directing the division of vehicles to invalidate and reissue driver's licenses when necessary to correct the gender identification on such licenses and directing the office of vital statistics to invalidate and reissue birth certificates when necessary to correct the sex identification on such certificates.

KS SB30

Providing for occupational licensing annual reports by agencies to the joint committee on administrative rules and regulations and requiring that adoption of new occupational licenses and material changes to existing occupational licenses by a state agency be approved by the legislature by ratification.

KS SB231

House Substitute for SB231 by Committee on Elections - Changing the timing of city, school, community college and certain other municipality elections to fall in even-numbered years and requiring the term of office of municipal elected officials to be either two years or four years.

KS HB2007

Senate Substitute for Substitute for HB 2007 by Committee on Ways and Means - Reconciling multiple amendments to certain statutes.

KS HB2501

Senate Substitute for HB 2501 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for immunity from civil liability to federal firearms licensees for returning a firearm to the firearm owner at the termination of a firearm hold agreement, removing the criminal prohibition against firearm suppressors and shotgun barrel length qualification requirements and providing enhanced penalties for certain felonies committed while using a firearm suppressor or short-barrel shotgun.

KS HB2280

Adding a citation to the code of federal regulations to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran and removing the active requirement from military service members for occupational licensure.

KS HB1686

To Amend The Law Concerning Licenses To Carry Concealed Handguns.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.