Kansas Senate Democrats Introduce Legislative Package to Reduce Gun Violence
Topeka, Kans. — Kansas Senate Democrats on Thursday introduced a new package of legislation to encourage gun safety and help prevent acts of violence like the shooting that took place last month at the Chiefs parade.
The legislative package includes four bills that provide a comprehensive approach to address the crisis of gun violence and will help keep Kansas kids safe.
“Kansas children deserve to learn and go about their lives free from the threat of gun violence,” Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said. “Unfortunately, we have a do-nothing Republican Senate that has delivered no meaningful progress on gun safety legislation after the Chiefs parade shooting. With this legislative package, we’re answering Kansans’ call for common sense gun safety reform by putting safeguards in place to help keep dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands.”
The package of bills introduced includes legislation requiring the safe storage of firearms, mandating background checks for all firearm purchases, prohibiting individuals under 21 from purchasing semi-automatic rifles, and requiring a license to carry a concealed handgun.
“The people of Kansas desperately want an end to the epidemic of gun violence,” Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said. “They want truly universal background checks. They want safe storage laws as illustrated by the thousands of emails that have been sent to legislators this session. These policies will help keep Kansas children safe – we owe it to them to pass this legislation.”
The legislative package is part of Senate Democrats’ agenda for 2024. Senate Democrats are listening to the needs of Kansans and introducing legislation to help keep our kids and our communities safe.
More about the package
Repealing Permitless Carry and Campus Carry: Senate Bill 548
This bill requires a license to carry a concealed handgun and permanently exempts colleges and universities from the public buildings requirements.
Universal Background Checks: Senate Bill 549
This bill requires universal background checks for firearm purchases.
Assault Rifle Ban for Minors: Senate Bill 550
This bill prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing/possessing high capacity semi automatic rifles.
Secure Gun Storage: Senate Bill 551
This bill requires that a firearm must be securely stored when not under the owner’s immediate access and control.
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