Kansas has now received a total of 100,000 applications for concealed carry licensing, according to the state attorney general’s office.
“More than 100,000 Kansans have now chosen to apply for a concealed carry handgun license since the program began in 2006,” Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said. “Our office remains committed to providing an efficient and thorough licensing program going forward.”
As of May 4, there were 89,399 active licenses issued, according to the attorney general’s office.
According to statistics on the attorney general’s website, in Wyandotte County, 3,319 concealed carry licenses have been issued from 2007 through Feb. 28, 2015. In Johnson County, 14,825 concealed carry licenses have been issued. In Leavenworth County, 3,230 concealed carry licenses have been issued.
Sedgwick County (the Wichita area) topped the state with 18,750 concealed carry licenses. Shawnee County (the Topeka area) had 5,865 concealed carry licenses.
Earlier this year, Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a bill eliminating the requirement that Kansans obtain a license in order to carry a concealed firearm, effective July 1. However, the attorney general’s office will continue to administer the licensing program to carry concealed handguns.
“While eligible Kansans will no longer need a license to carry a concealed firearm within the state as of July 1, 2015, there will still be advantages and protections to acquiring a license,” Schmidt said. “For example, the Kansas concealed carry license is currently recognized by 36 other states. Kansans will need the license to carry a concealed handgun in all but a few of those 36 states. Additionally, Kansans who have undergone a background check to obtain a concealed carry license are allowed expedited checks when purchasing firearms.”
Schmidt encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms in this state to pursue training opportunities.
“Regardless of whether Kansans choose to apply for a concealed carry license, I encourage all gun owners to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the many firearm instructors throughout the state to learn about the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership and the safe handling of firearms.”