Gov. Colyer signs measure to keep guns out of hands of domestic abusers

Gov. Jeff Colyer signed off on a bill Friday that will make it a state crime for people recently convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense to have a firearm.

House Bill 2145 makes it a crime under Kansas law for people to possess a firearm if they have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense within the last five years. State law currently bans people convicted of a felony domestic violence offense from keeping a gun, according to the revisor's office.

It also would make having a gun a crime for fugitives, people in the country illegally and those subject to certain protection orders.

The Kansas measure was written to parallel federal law. The finalized version of the legislation passed the House 113-6 and the Senate 40-0.

"I think people realize the danger in people who may be in a domestic situation may not have their emotions in check (and) probably don't need to have access to a gun at that particular moment in their lives," said Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia.

The bill also makes it a crime to possess a throwing star if it is meant to be used unlawfully against another person. Under previous law, it was unlawful to sell, manufacture, purchase or possess a throwing star.

Another part of the legislation would make it legal for people in Kansas to possess a silencer if it is made in Kansas, under certain stipulations.

Jo Ella Hoye, a leader with the Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, is a strong supporter of the measure. She said after the bill was signed that she was proud of lawmakers in both parties for "taking action that will save lives."

"This law will allow law enforcement in our state to protect families by keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers," she said.

This story was originally published April 20, 2018 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Gov. Colyer signs measure to keep guns out of hands of domestic abusers."