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Minutes for HB2412 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Removing state agency fees for concealed-carry licenses.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 7, 2023
Vice-Chairperson Kessler opened the hearing on HB2412. The Revisor provided an overview of the bill.
Vice-Chairperson Kessler recognized Attorney General Kris Kobach was a proponent of HB2412 (Attachment 1). He stated that Kansas law allows law-abiding gun owners age 21 and older to carry without a permit; however, people who do get a permit have the added benefit of being able to carry in other states and it speeds up the process when a person is purchasing a firearm. It is an extensive and expensive process to obtain a concealed carry permit. This legislation eliminates only the fee to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). He stated there are two compelling reasons to support this bill: First, that a person should not have to pay the state a fee in order to exercise a constitutional right. Second, it will encourage more people to obtain training and get their concealed carry license. Questions were asked by Representatives Clayton, Highberger, Ruiz, Hoye, Sanders, Haswood, and Howell.
(Chairperson Carpenter entered the room.)
Chairperson Carpenter recognized Representative Schmoe as a proponent of HB2412 (Attachment 2). She stated that as the current law stands, many low-income individuals cannot afford a concealed carry permit. This bill will eliminate the fees charged by the Attorney General's Office, making it more affordable for low-income individuals to obtain a concealed carry license. She urges the Committee to approve this bill. Questions were asked by Representatives Ruiz, Highberger, and Haswood.
Chairperson Carpenter recognized Moriah Day as a proponent of HB2412 (Attachment 3). He stated that single mothers, people who live in low-income neighborhoods, the elderly on fixed incomes, and female college students who live off-campus are prime targets for violent crime. These individuals also have the most difficulty covering the expenses associated with carrying a firearm with a concealed carry permit. Eliminating these state agency fees on concealed carry permits is a big step towards empowering more potential targets of violence to be able to obtain a concealed carry permit. He strongly urges the Committee to pass HB2412. Questions were asked by Representatives Eplee and Humphries.
Chairperson Carpenter stated that there was written proponent testimony from Tammy Bartels (Attachment 4).
There being no further conferees, Chairperson Carpenter closed the hearing on HB2412.
