Even though Kansas now allows residents to carry concealed firearms for personal protection without the need to obtain a permit or special training with the passage of Senate Bill 45 earlier this year, thousands of residents continue to opt for permits, according to figures released this week by the state Attorney General’s office.
On Tuesday, July 21, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said his office received more than 9,800 applications for concealed carry licenses for the just-ended 2015 fiscal year. Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 9,805 applications, the fourth-highest year on record, a release from Schmidt’s office reported. Since the licensing program first began in 2006, the AG’s office has received more than 100,000 applications.
Schmidt said Tuesday he expects licensing to remain popular even with the passage of so-called “Constitution Carry.” Many Kansans opt for obtaining a permit so they may carry for personal protection in reciprocating states.
Senate Bill 45 received wide support from the NRA and local firearms organizations. Becoming effective on July 1, Kansas joins Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Vermont and Wyoming by allowing permitless carry.
“There are still a number of benefits for Kansans who obtain concealed carry licenses,” Schmidt said in his press release. “Most notably, Kansas licenses are recognized by 36 other states, most of which still require a permit in order to carry concealed."
Schmidt also encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities and reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signage.
