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Kansas Law Expands Weapon-Carrying Rights For Government Employees

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flickr Creative Commons

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed into law a bill allowing many public employees to carry concealed weapons when they’re traveling on the job. The change means employees for cities, counties and government agencies can now carry guns when they’re working out in the community.

During debate earlier this month, Republican Sen. Forrest Knox said this allows workers to protect themselves.

“You should not, if you’re a public entity, a public employer, be able to require your employees to be defenseless,” Knox says.

Some opponents of the legislation say public employees checking utility meters or doing other business while carrying weapons could result in injuries. The change does not affect public school employees.

The law also contains another provision that says air rifle shooting sports can be held on school property.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.