Plan Advances To Allow Conceal Carry Without Permit

A proposal to allow Kansas residents 21 or older to carry concealed firearms without a state permit has received first-round approval in the state House.

The House expected to take another, final vote Wednesday on a bill ending the permit requirement. The Senate approved the measure last month, and House members made only one technical change.

Supporters contend gun owners are responsible and shouldn’t have to ask the government’s permission to carry concealed.

A person seeking a permit must undergo eight hours of firearms training. The bill’s opponents say the state still should require some training.

But the Republican-dominated Legislature has strong gun-rights majorities in both chambers.

The House also advanced a bill Wednesday to prevent cities and counties from levying special fees or taxes on gun sales.