TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today issued the following response after the House of Representatives passed HB 2326, legislation that would automatically recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits in Kansas, allowing people from other states to carry hidden, loaded handguns in Kansas communities — even if they would otherwise be ineligible to do so. The bill was also amended to permit people as young as 18 years-old to carry concealed handguns in public, including in college buildings. As data shows, 18 to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at a rate four times higher than adults 21 and older.
“This bill is the exact opposite of the gun safety laws that our lawmakers should be prioritizing,” said Jo Ella Hoye, volunteer chapter leader with the Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We haven’t forgotten about the dangerous policy that allows guns in our campus buildings, and this legislation would only exacerbate that danger. We’re thankful for the bipartisan group of lawmakers that voted against this legislation and we hope our Senators join them in rejecting this bill.”