TOPEKA – (May 4, 2015) – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today announced that his office received the 100,000th application in the lifetime of the concealed carry licensing program.
“More than 100,000 Kansans have now chosen to apply for a concealed carry handgun license since the program began in 2006,” Schmidt said. “Our office remains committed to providing an efficient and thorough licensing program going forward.”
The concealed carry licensing program was enacted by the Legislature in 2006 over the veto of then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. By law, the program is administered by Attorney General Schmidt’s office. As of today, there are 89,399 active licenses issued.
Earlier this year, Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a bill eliminating the requirement that Kansans obtain a license in order to carry a concealed firearm, effective July 1. However, the attorney general’s office will continue to administer the licensing program to carry concealed handguns.
“While eligible Kansans will no longer need a license to carry a concealed firearm within the state as of July 1, 2015, there will still be advantages and protections to acquiring a license,” Schmidt said. “For example, the Kansas concealed carry license is currently recognized by 36 other states. Kansans will need the license to carry a concealed handgun in all but a few of those 36 states. Additionally, Kansans who have undergone a background check to obtain a concealed carry license are allowed expedited checks when purchasing firearms.”
Schmidt encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms in this State to pursue training opportunities.
“Regardless of whether Kansans choose to apply for a concealed carry license, I encourage all gun owners to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the many firearm instructors throughout the state to learn about the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership and the safe handling of firearms.”
More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.
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