As Kansas' new concealed-carry law goes into effect on July 1, many cities, counties and educational institutions across the state are choosing to operate under exemptions from the law.
The law requires most public buildings to allow anybody licensed to carry a concealed gun to carry that weapon into the building if that building is not protected by "adequate security measures," such as metal detectors and guards at all public entrances.
The six-month exemption sought by several cities, counties, and colleges allows them to continue to prohibit guns from their buildings while they examine options for increasing security.
The Kansas Health Institute reports cities, counties, and school districts across the state have raised concerns regarding public safety and costs associated with complying with the law.
The Topeka Capital-Journalreports some Kansas community colleges are forming a consortium to fight increased insurance rates as a consequence of allowing concealed weapons in their campus buildings. Community colleges are among the entities that would be required to allow concealed weapons inside unsecured buildings.
The Topeka Capital-Journal also reports EMC Insurance Companies, the dominant insurer for the state's K-12 schools, will refuse to insure districts that allow armed employees.
The Salina Journal looks at the city of Salina's recently approved exemption from the law for that city's 30 public buildings and city leaders' reaction.
The Dodge Globe reports the Garden City Community College Board of Trustees voted to exempt the school from the law for six months.