Lawrence commission refuses to lift ban on concealed knives

The Lawrence City Commission won’t repeal an ordinance prohibiting the carrying of concealed knives, despite a new state law that overrides the ordinance next week.

Commissioners said Tuesday they believe allowing concealed knives puts Lawrence citizens at risk.

The vote was symbolic because a state law that takes effect July 1 supersedes local ordinance. That law allows concealed carry of knives.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports the city’s attorney recommended repealing the ordinance because the state law clearly removes authority from cities to regulate issues related to firearms and knives. But commissioners said they wanted to let the state know they disagreed with that law.

The commission did approve an ordinance prohibiting other weapons such as bludgeons, sand clubs and metal knuckles.

| The Associated Press

This story was originally published June 25, 2014 at 7:45 AM with the headline "Lawrence commission refuses to lift ban on concealed knives."