TOPEKA, Kan. – Volunteers with the Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the passage of HB 2278, a bill that would prevent state hospitals in Kansas from being forced to allow hidden, loaded handguns in their buildings. The bill now heads to Gov. Brownback’s desk.
Beginning July 1, certain state and municipal buildings in Kansas – including college and university buildings – will be forced to allow hidden, loaded handguns, unless they install expensive security measures at every entrance. HB 2278 would prevent state hospitals from being forced to allow concealed handguns, but notably would not address the concerns expressed by the students, faculty and campus law enforcement who – unless legislators act – will soon face the reality of hidden, loaded handguns inside campus buildings.
STATEMENT FROM JO ELLA HOYE, VOLUNTEER WITH KANSAS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Today’s action in the Kansas legislature made clear that the gun violence prevention movement is making progress in Kansas. This is a great first step, but lawmakers’ work is not over. Legislators still have time to listen to the concerns of students, faculty and campus law enforcement officials from across our state, and prevent colleges from being forced to allow hidden, loaded handguns in their buildings.”
