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Minutes for SB523 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Clarifying the eligibility requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun under the personal and family protection act.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 7, 2024
Jason Long gave an overview of the bill. He stated SB523 amends statute regarding the criminal offenses that disqualify an individual from obtaining a license to carry a concealed handgun. The bill would remove the offenses related to possession on school property and replace them with offenses that mirror the federal prohibitions. These include being (1) A fugitive; (2) an illegal alien in the United States; (3) subject to a protection from abuse order; and (4) having been convicted of a domestic violence offense. Additionally, the bill adds the offense of unlawful possession of a concealed firearm, and requires the individual to return the license to the Attorney General's office upon suspension or revocation. (Attachment 2)
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman called for proponent testimony.
Proponent Oral Testimony
Robert Hutchison, Deputy Attorney General, Civil Division, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated the intent of the bill is to clean up the citations in the Personal and Family Protection Act so that the offenses they referenced before, or that they need to include as prohibited offenses, are consistent the federal requirements and prohibitions that are in place. (Attachment 3)
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman called for neutral testimony.
Neutral Oral Testimony
Nick Reinecker, private citizen, spoke as neutral on the bill. He stated Section 1(a)(2), regarding shipping, transporting, possessing or receiving a firearm or ammunition under a statute related to users addicted to controlled substances, is problematic because it doesn't specify being "under the influence", but only specifies "use" of controlled substances. He said if Kansas allows the medical use of cannabis, this bill could prohibit someone from possessing a firearm. (Attachment 4)
There were no questions for the neutral conferee, nor was there any opponent testimony.
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman closed the hearing on SB523.
