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Jake LaTurner on Gun Control |
iVoterGuide Note: Candidate received an A rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund KS in 2020.
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.
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
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.
Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Guns: Do you generally support gun-control legislation?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."
H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act: This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to gifts between spouses in good faith.
Heritage Action opinion to vote NO (Feb. 26, 2019): This legislation would require universal background checks for all firearm sales (even private). Unfortunately, universal background checks would do little to prevent firearm violence and would instead make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase, own, carry, and use a firearm. Studies show that universal background checks are largely ineffective when it comes to preventing mass shootings. In 19 of the most recent high-profile cases, the shooters bought their firearms legally and passed all the required background checks.
White House Statement (Biden's opinion to vote YES): Gun violence is a public health crisis. Every day, gun violence--community violence, domestic violence, suicides, and mass shootings--takes American lives and forever alters many more. Last year, we saw record levels of homicides in cities throughout our country. The Federal gun background check system is a proven tool to reduce gun violence and save lives. This system, called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, has kept millions of guns out of potentially dangerous hands. The Administration encourages closing existing loopholes in this system [such as private transfers in H.R. 8].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 227-203-1 on 03/11/2021 (rollcall #75); introduced in Senate with 36 co-sponsors; no further Senate action during 2021.