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Lawmakers Consider Bill Banning Concealed Weapons In Specific Areas Of Public Buildings

Auraelius, flickr Creative Commons

The Kansas Senate is considering a bill that would allow officials to ban concealed weapons in some areas of public buildings.

Currently, people carrying concealed weapons must be allowed to go anywhere in public buildings where the guns are allowed.

Legislation submitted by Republican Senator Forrest Knox of Altoona would allow officials to ban weapons from some parts of the buildings.

Knox says courthouses in some rural counties want to be able to secure parts of the buildings, such as courtrooms, while the rest of the building would remain open to concealed weapons.

No one testified in opposition to the bill during a hearing on Thursday.

The Kansas State Rifle Association, the League of Kansas Municipalities and several law enforcement associations testified in support.

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