Statement From Kansas Moms Demand Action, Everytown on Legislation That Will Prevent State Hospitals From Being Forced to Allow Hidden, Loaded Handguns in Buildings

TOPEKA, Kan. – Volunteers with the Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, tonight applauded the enactment of HB 2278, a law that will prevent public hospitals in Kansas from being forced to allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in their buildings. Gov. Sam Brownback said late Thursday he would allow the bill to become law without his signature, after it passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support.

Beginning July 1, certain state and municipal buildings in Kansas will be forced to allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns inside, unless they install expensive security measures at every public entrance. HB 2278 will prevent state hospitals from being forced to allow people to carry concealed handguns.

Volunteers with the Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action were a fixture in the state capitol for months, urging lawmakers to stand up to the gun lobby. Following the passage of HB 2278, volunteers helped generate thousands of calls and emails into the governor’s office in support of the legislation.

STATEMENT FROM JO ELLA HOYE, VOLUNTEER WITH KANSAS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“This legislation addresses the serious safety concerns raised by hospital leaders and so many other Kansans. Kansas hospitals and mental health centers can now continue to focus on treating their patients without having to address new and unnecessary safety risks. We applaud all of the legislators from both parties who stood up to the gun lobby to protect public safety, and we encourage them to continue their efforts to prevent gun violence in Kansas.”