State of Kansas Archives: on Gun Control


Derek Schmidt: Recognize out of state concealed carry permits

A House committee has advanced a bill to expand Kansas' recognition of other states' concealed carry permits. Schmidt said the bill would help the state maintain reciprocity agreements with other states so that Kansans can carry concealed firearms elsewhere. Schmidt said when Kansas passed a law allowing residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit, they removed a provision that required the attorney general to recognize concealed carry permits issued by other jurisdictions.
Source: Associated Press on 2022 Kansas Gubernatorial race Feb 10, 2021

Roger Marshall: Never encroach on citizens' right to defend themselves

Dr. Marshall is a lifetime member of the NRA. The most basic role of government is to defend Americans and to never encroach on citizens' right to defend themselves. In Congress, Dr. Marshall has always made sure that your 2nd Amendment rights are never infringed upon.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website KansansForMarshall.com Jun 17, 2020

Dave Lindstrom: An assault rifle ban would have no effect on crime

How do we know for sure that an "assault" rifle ban would have no effect on crime? Because such a ban was already tried in the 1990s and declared a failure. A research report prepared for the U.S. Department of Justice following a 10 year implementation of the ban arrived at the following conclusion: "the ban's impact on gun violence is likely to be small at best, and perhaps too small for reliable measurement."

The chief problem, though there are several, with red flag laws as generally conceived in the several states that have such laws is that these laws lack established due process protections for the accused. In fact, confiscation of firearms and even arrest can occur solely on the basis of one complaint without any corroboration, and the action can be ordered before any investigation or inquiry of the accused. That's simply not how the American justice system is to operate.

Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website LindstromForSenate.com May 31, 2020

Barbara Bollier: Restrict assault rifles, impose limits on ammunition

Bollier spoke on her efforts to pass legislation restricting access to guns for people deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. Nearly two-thirds of gun deaths are suicides, and access to a gun triples the risk of suicide, Bollier said. If gun laws restricted assault rifles and imposed limits on ammunition, the outcomes might change, she said. As a former anesthesiologist and spouse to a family practice physician, Bollier said she views gun violence as a public health issue.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post on 2020 Kansas Senate race May 15, 2020

Barbara Bollier: Red flag legislation for temporary removal of firearms

During her time in the Kansas Senate, Bollier has attempted to advance so-called red flag legislation that would allow judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from someone who poses an immediate danger to themselves or others.

"Let me be clear first. I support the Second Amendment and that sometimes gets lost," she said Tuesday, before adding that "we have a problem with gun violence that is causing a public health issue."

She noted strong support among Americans for universal background checks on gun purchases. A Quinnipiac University poll from May found 94 percent favor background checks on all gun buyers. The results match previous polling that also found high levels of support for expanded background checks.

Source: Wichita Eagle on Kansas legislative voting record Oct 16, 2019

Dave Lindstrom: Guns don't create violence, might support background checks

In light of recent shootings in Texas, Ohio and California, Lindstrom, a member of the National Rifle Association, said he thinks guns do not create violence. "But I do think that there are some things that we can do," he said. "And the president is working on as it relates to background checks and governmental entities being able to communicate with each other, not necessarily as well as they do now." Lindstrom said he owns guns and supports the Second Amendment.
Source: San Jose Mercury News on 2020 Kansas Senate race Aug 14, 2019

Jake LaTurner: A+ rating from NRA for passage of Constitutional Carry

Born and raised in Galena, Jake is a 6th-generation Kansan. Faith in God, the importance of family, love of country and the dignity of work are just some of the values he learned at a young age. Jake and his wife have worked to pass these same values on to their four children.

Jake was twice elected to the State Senate, serving from 2013-2017. Seen as an innovator and champion of conservative reform, he has an A+ rating from the NRA for leading the successful passage of Constitutional Carry.

Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website LaTurnerForSenate.com Jul 19, 2019

Sharice Davids: Gun violence a public health crisis

Davids and other state lawmakers said that they support the Second Amendment but called gun violence a public health crisis. "We really need to be making sure that we're getting accurate statistics that we're really getting into the meat of why gun violence is occurring and where it's occurring and what types," Davids said.
Source: KCUR 89.3 NPR Kansas City on 2019 House KS-3 incumbent Jun 12, 2019

Laura Kelly: Supports common sense gun safety measures and safeguards

[WFK]: Would you consider steps to regulate gun traffic, such as expanded background checks, and closure of the gun show loophole?

[Kelly]: I support common sense gun safety measures to keep our children and communities safe. I voted to ban guns on campuses, as well as in hospitals and adult care homes. I voted to prohibit anyone convicted of domestic violence from possessing a gun. I also supported safeguards like universal background checks and banning bump stocks and assault weapons.

Source: WomenForKansas.org interview: 2018 Kansas governor race Jul 12, 2018

Kris Kobach: Opposes restrictions on guns

Kobach also helped craft [national GOP convention] planks dealing with gun rights that made it into the proposed platform. He wrote a provision opposing laws that would restrict magazine capacity, ban AR-style rifles or "deprive a person from the right to keep and bear arms without the right to due process." The provision is meant to oppose efforts to ban assault rifles and to oppose proposals to block people on the federal government's "no fly" list from buying guns.
Source: Wichita Eagle on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race Aug 16, 2017

Ron Estes: Support the rights of gun owners, sportsmen, and hunters

The 2nd Amendment is a cornerstone of our Bill of Rights. I firmly believe that every law-abiding citizen has a right to defend themselves, their family, and their property. I will fight against efforts in Washington to take away these rights. I am a proud NRA member, and as your Congressman, I will support the rights of gun owners, sportsmen, and hunters.
Source: 2017 Kansas House campaign website EstesForCongress.com Apr 11, 2017

Ron Estes: Support for concealed carry reciprocity

The National Rifle Association on Friday announced it has endorsed State Treasurer Ron Estes in the April 11th Kansas 4th Congressional District special election. The NRA praised Estes as a protector of gun rights, citing his opposition to anti 2nd Amendment policy trends that work to restrict ownership of guns and related equipment.

"The right to bear arms is integral to the American way of life. It's a right cherished by millions across the country and in Kansas," Treasurer Estes said.

The endorsement letter praised Treasurer Estes' support for concealed carry laws. "NRA members and gun owners appreciate your strong support for concealed carry reciprocity, to ensure that the 15 million law-abiding Americans who can carry a concealed firearm in their home state are able to do so in any other state that does not prohibit concealed carry," according to the letter from the NRA-ILA Executive Director.

Source: Press release, "NRA", on 2017 Kansas House campaign website Mar 17, 2017

Roger Marshall: Make sure 2nd Amendment rights are never infringed upon

The most basic role of government is to defend Americans and to never encroach on citizens' right to also defend themselves. Dr. Marshall will make sure that your 2nd Amendment rights are never infringed upon. We must ensure that Ft. Riley and our other military installations are fully funded.
Source: 2016 Kansas House campaign website KansansForMarshall.com Nov 8, 2016

Patrick Wiesner: Gun rights are limited: no concealed carry on college campus

The Supreme Court's 2006 decision in DC v. Heller provides good policy guidance on gun ownership rights and public safety. Justice Scalia wrote this opinion with great care. First, the Court affirmed the right of individuals to possess firearms for traditional lawful purposes such as self-defense within the home and for hunting.

Second, the opinion also held that Second Amendment rights are not unlimited. Justice Scalia went out of his way to declare longstanding laws that prohibit possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill; that forbid guns in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings; that impose conditions on commercial sale of arms; and that restrict the right to carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose, are still valid and enforceable.

The latter holding provides a US Constitutional basis for the Kansas legislature to repeal the unfortunate law permitting the concealed carry of handguns on college campuses.

Source: 2016 Kansas Senate campaign website WiesnerForSenate.com Aug 8, 2016

Sam Brownback: Prohibit schools & localities from enacting gun restrictions

Legislative Summary: HB 2502: The bill amends the Weapons Free School Act to prohibit school districts from adopting policies preventing organizations from conducting activities on school property solely because the activities involve the possession and use of air guns.

Analysis by The Wichita Eagle: HB 2502 bundles most of the Legislature's gun-related legislation for the session. The bill says public employers, such as cities and counties, cannot forbid employees from carrying concealed weapons while on duty. Public employers should not have the power to endanger their employees by restricting them from carrying a firearm for protection, Sen. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona, said during the Senate debate.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-6-2 on May/1/16; Passed House 92-28-5 on May/1/16; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on May/11/16

Source: The Wichita Eagle analysis of Kansas voting records HB 2502 May 11, 2016

Barbara Bollier: Allow schools & localities to enact gun restrictions

Legislative Summary: HB 2502: The bill amends the Weapons Free School Act to prohibit school districts from adopting policies preventing organizations from conducting activities on school property solely because the activities involve the possession and use of air guns.

Analysis by The Wichita Eagle: HB 2502 bundles most of the Legislature's gun-related legislation for the session. The bill says public employers, such as cities and counties, cannot forbid employees from carrying concealed weapons while on duty. Public employers should not have the power to endanger their employees by restricting them from carrying a firearm for protection, Sen. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona, said during the Senate debate.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-6-2 on May/1/16; Passed House 92-28-5 on May/1/16; State Rep. Barbara Bollier voted NO; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on May/11/16

Source: The Wichita Eagle analysis of Kansas voting records HB 2502 May 1, 2016

Jake LaTurner: Prohibit schools & localities from enacting gun restrictions

Legislative Summary: HB 2502: The bill amends the Weapons Free School Act to prohibit school districts from adopting policies preventing organizations from conducting activities on school property solely because the activities involve the possession and use of air guns.

Analysis by The Wichita Eagle: HB 2502 bundles most of the Legislature's gun-related legislation for the session. The bill says public employers, such as cities and counties, cannot forbid employees from carrying concealed weapons while on duty. Public employers should not have the power to endanger their employees by restricting them from carrying a firearm for protection, Sen. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona, said during the Senate debate.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-6-2 on May/1/16; State Sen. Jake LaTurner voted YES; Passed House 92-28-5 on May/1/16; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on May/11/16

Source: The Wichita Eagle analysis of Kansas voting records HB 2502 May 1, 2016

Laura Kelly: Prohibit schools & localities from enacting gun restrictions

Legislative Summary: HB 2502: The bill amends the Weapons Free School Act to prohibit school districts from adopting policies preventing organizations from conducting activities on school property solely because the activities involve the possession and use of air guns.

Analysis by The Wichita Eagle: HB 2502 bundles most of the Legislature's gun-related legislation for the session. The bill says public employers, such as cities and counties, cannot forbid employees from carrying concealed weapons while on duty. Public employers should not have the power to endanger their employees by restricting them from carrying a firearm for protection, Sen. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona, said during the Senate debate.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-6-2 on May/1/16; State Sen. Laura Kelly voted YES; Passed House 92-28-5 on May/1/16; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on May/11/16

Source: The Wichita Eagle analysis of Kansas voting records HB 2502 May 1, 2016

Susan Wagle: Prohibit schools & localities from enacting gun restrictions

Legislative Summary: HB 2502: The bill amends the Weapons Free School Act to prohibit school districts from adopting policies preventing organizations from conducting activities on school property solely because the activities involve the possession and use of air guns.

Analysis by The Wichita Eagle: HB 2502 bundles most of the Legislature's gun-related legislation for the session. The bill says public employers, such as cities and counties, cannot forbid employees from carrying concealed weapons while on duty. Public employers should not have the power to endanger their employees by restricting them from carrying a firearm for protection, Sen. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona, said during the Senate debate.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-6-2 on May/1/16; State Sen. Susan Wagle voted YES; Passed House 92-28-5 on May/1/16; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on May/11/16

Source: The Wichita Eagle analysis of Kansas voting records HB 2502 May 1, 2016

Sam Brownback: Allow concealed carry of guns without a license

Legislative Summary: SB 45: The bill adds language allowing the concealed carry of a firearm without a concealed carry license issued by the State, as long as that individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under either federal or state law.

Everytown.org analysis 2/6/15: The Kansas Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, condemned the passage of S.B. 45, legislation that would effectively dismantle the state's concealed carry licensing system. Kansas would become one of only five states to allow people to carry hidden, loaded guns in public places without any training or license required.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-39-1 on Mar/25/15; Passed Senate 31-8-1 on Mar/25/15; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on Apr/2/15.

Source: Everytown.org analysis of Kansas S.B. 45 voting records Apr 2, 2015

Jake LaTurner: Allow concealed carry of guns without a license

Legislative Summary: SB 45: The bill adds language allowing the concealed carry of a firearm without a concealed carry license issued by the State, as long as that individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under either federal or state law.

Everytown.org analysis 2/6/15: The Kansas Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, condemned the passage of S.B. 45, legislation that would effectively dismantle the state's concealed carry licensing system. Kansas would become one of only five states to allow people to carry hidden, loaded guns in public places without any training or license required.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-39-1 on Mar/25/15; Passed Senate 31-8-1 on Mar/25/15; State Sen. Jake LaTurner co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on Apr/2/15.

Source: Everytown.org analysis of Kansas S.B. 45 voting records Mar 25, 2015

Laura Kelly: Allow concealed carry of guns without a license

Legislative Summary: SB 45: The bill adds language allowing the concealed carry of a firearm without a concealed carry license issued by the State, as long as that individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under either federal or state law.

Everytown.org analysis 2/6/15: The Kansas Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, condemned the passage of S.B. 45, legislation that would effectively dismantle the state's concealed carry licensing system. Kansas would become one of only five states to allow people to carry hidden, loaded guns in public places without any training or license required.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-39-1 on Mar/25/15; Passed Senate 31-8-1 on Mar/25/15; State Sen. Laura Kelly co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on Apr/2/15.

Source: Everytown.org analysis of Kansas S.B. 45 voting records Mar 25, 2015

Susan Wagle: Allow concealed carry of guns without a license

Legislative Summary: SB 45: The bill adds language allowing the concealed carry of a firearm without a concealed carry license issued by the State, as long as that individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under either federal or state law.

Everytown.org analysis 2/6/15: The Kansas Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, condemned the passage of S.B. 45, legislation that would effectively dismantle the state's concealed carry licensing system. Kansas would become one of only five states to allow people to carry hidden, loaded guns in public places without any training or license required.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-39-1 on Mar/25/15; Passed Senate 31-8-1 on Mar/25/15; State Sen. Susan Wagle voted YES; Signed by Governor Sam Brownback on Apr/2/15.

Source: Everytown.org analysis of Kansas S.B. 45 voting records Mar 25, 2015

Greg Orman: Don't make it easy for a convict to get guns at gun shows

In 1999, Roberts voted against a Senate amendment requiring a federal background check for anyone buying a weapon at a gun show. He has consistently opposed gun control proposals. This week the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action spent more than $75,000 for campaign materials supporting Roberts' candidacy.

Orman says he is open to considering a required background check in order to purchase a weapon at gun shows. "I just do not think it makes sense to make it easy for a convict, or someone who was under a restraining order for domestic abuse to be able to walk into a gun show and easily get a gun," Orman said at the debate.

Roberts says that position threatens all gun owners. "Don't mess with people's right to bear arms with any restrictions," he said in the Hutchinson debate.

Source: The Kansas City Star on 2014 Kansas Senate race Sep 19, 2014

Pat Roberts: Don't mess with people's right to bear arms

In 1999, Roberts voted against a Senate amendment requiring a federal background check for anyone buying a weapon at a gun show. He has consistently opposed gun control proposals. This week the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action spent more than $75,000 for campaign materials supporting Roberts' candidacy.

Orman says he is open to considering a required background check in order to purchase a weapon at gun shows. "I just do not think it makes sense to make it easy for a convict, or someone who was under a restraining order for domestic abuse to be able to walk into a gun show and easily get a gun," Orman said at the debate.

Roberts says that position threatens all gun owners. "Don't mess with people's right to bear arms with any restrictions," he said in the Hutchinson debate.

Source: The Kansas City Star on 2014 Kansas Senate race Sep 19, 2014

Randall Batson: Strongly supports an absolute right to gun ownership

Q: Do you support or oppose an absolute right to gun ownership?

A: Strongly Support.

Source: Email interview on Kansas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues Sep 19, 2014

Greg Orman: Owns handguns but supports background checks

I own two handguns. I believe in Second Amendment rights.

Both times that I bought a handgun, I was required to go through a mandatory background check to ensure that I was a US citizen who hadn't been convicted of domestic violence, subject to a restraining order, incarcerated for longer than a year, dishonorably discharged from the military, or determined to be mentally defective. Over 700,000 people who met the description above have been prevented from buying firearms at licensed dealers since the background check requirements went into effect.

The idea that those 700,000 people could simply head to a gun show and buy a firearm without the same background scrutiny doesn't make sense to me. While there are likely other illegal ways for criminals to get firearms, we shouldn't make it easy for a violent offender or a mentally ill individual to get a gun. The process for me took a few minutes and ultimately resulted in me being able to buy my handguns without delay.

Source: 2014 Kansas Senate campaign website, OrmanForSenate.com Sep 1, 2014

Randall Batson: Possess & trade firearms as owners wish

2nd Amendment: Just as in all property, the people should be able to keep in possession, purchase, trade, and sell their firearms as they wish. Proper handling and operation of a firearm retains it as an effective tool of defense and sport. The necessity of them is determined by one's environment, and competency by ones psychology.
Source: 2014 Kansas Senate campaign site batson4senate.weebly.com Aug 31, 2014

Chad Taylor: I'm a gun owner, but we need to enforce gun laws

I am a proud gun owner, a lifetime National Rifle Association (NRA) member, 2nd Amendment advocate, and avid outdoorsman, having grown up hunting and fishing all over the state of Kansas. I recognize the right of law-abiding citizens to own and maintain firearms.

As the Shawnee County District Attorney, I am all too familiar with the effects of gun violence on the communities of Kansas. The most critical first step we can take to reduce violence is to enforce the laws we have on the books--like the mandatory minimum five-year federal sentence for felons in possession--and keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals.

I also believe we need to properly and adequately address the lack of mental health services to help those that are most at risk. Without this component, our approach to public policy is incomplete.

Source: 2014 Kansas Senate campaign website, TaylorForUSSenate.com Jul 2, 2014

Milton Wolf: Opposes more gun restrictions

Question topic: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety.

Wolf: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Kansas Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Jean Carnahan: Advocated for gun control with sportsmen’s rights

Jean Carnahan made speeches several days a week on her husband’s Senate campaign trail in which she advocated for gun control. Ashcroft is a favorite of the National Rifle Association and campaigned for a ballot issue in Missouri last year that would have allowed people to carry concealed weapons. Mel Carnahan had opposed the measure. Responding to a written questionnaire last week from The Associated Press, Jean Carnahan said she opposed anything that interfered with the rights of sportsmen.
Source: Kevin Murphy, The Kansas City Star Nov 4, 2000

  • The above quotations are from State of Kansas Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Gun Control.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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