What to know about Kansas gun laws after Friday shooting at Olathe East High School

The recent shooting at Olathe East High School that left three injured has prompted questions and conversations regarding safety in area schools and gun control.

Kansas lawmakers echoed calls for tightening gun laws after the incident, which sent an assistant principal, school resource officer and the alleged shooter, who is a student, to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

The 18-year-old alleged shooter, Jaylon D. Elmore, was charged with attempted capital murder by Johnson County prosecutors on Saturday. Elmore, a senior and varsity football player, was still in critical condition as of Monday morning.

With Kansas gun laws in the spotlight, here are some FAQs about who can purchase, possess and carry firearms and where they can do so:

What is the minimum age to purchase and possess a firearm in Kansas?

Kansas does not impose any restrictions on firearm sales to minors, nor does state law provide a minimum age requirement to possess a firearm in Kansas.

There are, however, restrictions on the types of guns people under the age of 18 can possess, according to the Giffords Law Center, a gun safety nonprofit.

No one under 18 can possess a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long unless they are: attending a hunter’s or firearms safety course, practicing at a gun range, participating in a competition involving the use of firearms, hunting or at their residence.

What is the minimum age to carry a concealed firearm in Kansas?

Eighteen.

In 2021, the Kansas Legislature lowered the minimum age to carry a concealed weapon from 21 to 18. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill, but lawmakers were able to overturn Kelly’s decision.

In Missouri, the minimum age is 19.

Does Kansas allow concealed carry without a permit?

Yes.

In 2015, Kansas passed a law authorizing anyone ages 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a license or a permit. Individuals who are 18-20 must obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

Are guns allowed on public school campuses in Kansas?

The Gun-Free Schools Act, a federal law enacted in 1994, requires that students who bring guns to K-12 schools are expelled for at least one year.

At K-12 schools, firearms are prohibited from school property, with a few exceptions:

• Parents, guardians and other authorized visitors may have a firearm in their vehicle while dropping off or picking up a student.

• The prohibition also does not apply to parents or members of the public if they are legally able to carry a concealed handgun under state or federal law.

• Teachers and other school staff are allowed to carry concealed guns on campus with written permission from the school district’s superintendent.

On public college campuses, as of 2017, anyone can carry a concealed handgun into nearly any public area or building, aside from buildings with security measures like metal detectors in place.

How does Kansas compare to other states on these gun laws?

Kansas is one of 21 states that allows permitless concealed carry.

Kansas is one of nine states, including Missouri, that specifically exempts school employees from their ban on firearms on K-12 school grounds, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Kansas is also one of 10 to allow anyone to carry a concealed gun on college campuses.

Overall, Kansas ranks 45th for the strength of its gun laws, according to recent rankings determined by Giffords.