Reject reckless gun bills in Kansas and Missouri

Unless reason prevails, people on both sides of the state line soon could be packing hidden heat whether or not they have any idea how or when to use it.

The Kansas Legislature on Wednesday passed a reckless bill that allows residents to carry concealed guns without permits or training.

And a Missouri lawmaker is pushing a similar law.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has good reasons to veto Senate Bill 45, thus standing up with the more reasonable majority of Kansans who oppose its consequences.

While it’s true Brownback has endorsed other pro-gun laws, this one disrespects many current firearms owners and plenty of other Kansans. It’s a stunning departure from the state’s common-sense traditions.

The proposed law would make Kansas only the fifth state to go down this risky path.

Citizens have not embraced it. A recent poll found that almost 80 percent of Kansans favored keeping the permit/training process. Notably, almost every household with a current concealed-carry permit supported the status quo.

These are among the best qualified people to speak on the subject. They know the value of the eight hours of required training, which covers important topics including gun safety and the boundaries of using deadly force.

Senate Bill 45 also is unfair to Kansans who had to pay at least $132.50 for the permits and spend extra money for the training.

Unfortunately, things could get even worse.

The proposed Kansas law does not trump requirements by most other states that people have permits to carry guns within their borders. If Senate Bill 45 takes effect, for example, an Overland Park resident could not legally cross the state line while carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

Enter Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison, a Springfield Republican. He has introduced a bill that imitates the Kansas law by getting rid of required permits and training to carry a concealed firearm in Missouri.

Brownback should veto the ill-advised Kansas bill, and Missouri lawmakers should allow Burlison’s efforts to wither away.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 5:33 PM with the headline "Reject reckless gun bills in Kansas and Missouri."