The attorney general’s office received more than 9,800 applications for concealed carry gun licenses in the 2015 fiscal year, which ended June 30.
According to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, since the office first began the license program in 2006, it has received more than 100,000 applications.
More than 3,474 concealed carry licenses have been issued in Wyandotte County during the nine-year period, according to the attorney general’s office.
Schmidt said that while the Legislature passed a law earlier this year allowing eligible Kansans to carry concealed without a license, he expects the licensing program to remain popular.
“There are still a number of benefits for Kansans who obtain concealed carry licenses,” Schmidt said. “Most notably, Kansas licenses are recognized by 36 other states, most of which still require a permit in order to carry concealed.”
Schmidt also encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities. He also reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signs.
Private businesses, individuals and private organizations are allowed to prohibit firearms on their property. Directions on how to do this are on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.
Currently, more than 90,000 Kansans have active concealed carry permits, according to Schmidt.
The Unified Government, on Monday night at a committee meeting, discussed updating its ordinances to comply with the new state laws on guns and weapons. It is in the process of removing provisions that say it is illegal to carry guns in public places. However, cities and counties still may prohibit guns in public buildings.
A new Kansas laws says that adult residents do not have to have a license to carry a concealed weapon in public. It is still against the law to discharge the gun. Schools, private businesses, and private organizations may continue to ban weapons on their property.
State, city and county government buildings are allowed to exempt themselves through the end of 2017. Federal facilities such as federal courthouses, federal offices and post offices do not allow guns. For more information, see http://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/other-places-where-concealed-carry-may-not-be-allowed.pdf?sfvrsn=14.
Schmidt said that while the Legislature passed a law earlier this year allowing eligible Kansans to carry concealed without a license, he expects the licensing program to remain popular.
More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.