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| Sebelius |
Posted on 03/05/2004 7:51:15 AM PST by TroutStalker
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TOPEKA— Legislation that would allow Kansans to carry concealed handguns was approved Thursday by the House, 78-45, and forwarded to the Senate and an uncertain future.
The House vote was six votes shy of the 84 required to override a possible veto by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who has consistently opposed a broad concealed-carry bill.
Sebelius has said repeatedly that she would support concealed-carry legislation only if licenses were restricted to retired law enforcement officers.
The bill that passed Thursday would open licensing to almost anyone 21 or older without a felony conviction.
Among those voting against the bill was Rep. Rick Rehorn, a Kansas City, Kan., Democrat, who said “law-abiding voters” in his district opposed the legislation.
“This bill would allow concealed weapons in banks, churches, hospitals and casinos, if we ever had one,” Rehorn said in explaining his vote. “It would also allow concealed weapons in the private residence of another without the owner's consent.”
Rep. Jim Yonally, an Overland Park Republican, said the bill should have been renamed the “False Security Act, because that is exactly what it will be.”
“It will give people who get a license to carry a weapon a sense that they are protected when they are not,” he said. “How many would-be murderers, thieves and rapists are going to wait patiently while you reach inside your coat or purse, locate your gun, pull it out, aim and fire?”
The Legislature last passed concealed-carry legislation in 1997. It was vetoed by Gov. Bill Graves. His veto was not challenged.
In the Senate, the bill is to be assigned to the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which is headed by Sen. Pete Brungardt, a Salina Republican.
Here's how area House members voted:
Republicans voting yes — Reps. John Ballou, Gardner; Larry Campbell, Olathe; Eric Carter, Overland Park; Ray Merrick, Stilwell; Judy Morrison, Shawnee; Scott Schwab, Olathe; Arlen Siegfreid, Olathe; Kenny Wilk, Lansing; and Dan Williams, Olathe.
Democrats voting yes — Tom Burroughs, Margaret Long, Bonnie Sharp, all of Kansas City, Kan.; and Candy Ruff, Leavenworth.
Republicans voting no — Rob Boyer, Olathe; Ray Cox, Bonner Springs; David Huff, Lenexa; Terrie Huntington, Mission Hills; Patricia Lightner, Overland Park; Cindy Neighbor, Shawnee; Dean Newton, Prairie Village; Ed O'Malley, Roeland Park; Tim Owens, Overland Park; Doug Patterson, Leawood; Stephanie Sharp, Lenexa; Kevin Yoder, Overland Park; and Yonally.
Democrats voting no — Marti Crow, Leavenworth; Sue Storm, Overland Park; Broderick Henderson, Bill Reardon, Rehorn, and Valdenia Winn, all of Kansas City, Kan.
To reach John L. Petterson, call (785) 354-1388 or send e-mail to jpetterson@kcstar.com.
So, only old fascists have 2a rights.
Does this fascist think that if someone had criminal intent in any of these places, that the lack of a conceal and carry license would stop them from carrying out their plans?
Gun owners aren't protected by their guns ?? Headline should have read " Elected Official Smokes Crack"
She's toast.
In any case, it sure was a helluva lot faster than waiting for the cops to arrive.
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