Kansas bill could allow concealed carry for public employees

A late night bill that flew the Kansas House and Senate could mean Kansas public employees will be able to carry concealed firearms on the job in your community.

That means they could bring a gun to your house if Governor Sam Brownback signs the bill approved Sunday night by lawmakers.

If you don't want a city or state employee to enter your home with a gun, you could soon have to put up signage similar to what you see at businesses.

The bill says public employers, such as cities and counties, must let employees carry concealed weapons while on duty. Kansas state senator Forrest Knox says EMT's and Department of Revenue employees contacted him concerned for their safety.

"Public employers were, by policy, saying no, you can't carry when you're in the state car. When you're on state business, even though you're outside, there is no protection. They, by policy, were requiring their employees to be defenseless," said Knox.

Opponents question how it was passed without public comment.

"It really demonstrates the lack of transparency in the Kansas legislature. It's amazing. Late on a Sunday night, behind closed doors," said Leanna Barclay.

Knox says if homeowners don't want to let a public employee such as a city inspector carry a gun into their home they can post a "no guns" signs and ask the person to leave.

"The fact that we would have to do this in order to keep people from walking in our homes with guns is ludicrous," said Barclay.

Right now Kansas law allows public employees to carry concealed firearms at work. This bill would let them continue to carry those weapons when they travel into the community. It exempts school districts.

Knox said he "knows" Brownback will sign the bill.

We called the governor's office to ask and we are waiting to hear back.