TIAHRT WANTS TO LET KANSANS CARRY GUNS
Wichita Eagle, The (KS) - Wednesday, February 2, 1994
Author: Julie Wright, The Wichita Eagle
TOPEKA So far, legislators have talked about how to take guns out of the hands of youngsters and thugs.
This week, Sen. Todd Tiahrt wants to turn the discussion toward allowing average folks to pack weapons for their protection.
Tiahrt, R-Goddard, is proposing a bill that would allow adult Kansans to carry concealed weapons handguns, knives, electronic weapons or tear gas guns after paying up to $125 for a permit and taking a firearms safety class.
''It's kind of a safety issue in one aspect in that there are people who do currently carry concealed weapons without proper training, and they're not only a danger to themselves but to the people they associate with," Tiahrt said.
''These are just the common people who have been living in fear, and they want some means to keep from being threatened," he said.
Tiahrt had planned to introduce the bill today but instead may ask the Senate Judiciary Committee to introduce it.
Some legislators say the state's frightening crime rates warrant action such as Tiahrt proposes. Others say his bill contradicts other efforts to take guns off the streets.
''I am against encouragement of handguns, whether it's adults or juveniles," said Sen. Marge Petty of Topeka, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. "We've got one of the most violent societies in the world. If we think juveniles should be limited in having handguns, why shouldn't adults be limited as well?"
State law now prohibits carrying concealed weapons except on one's own property or in one's own place of business. It is illegal to carry a loaded gun in Wichita.
Senators are considering a bill to make it a crime for a minor to have a handgun in most circumstances, and Senate Democrats have proposed a bill to make it a crime for an adult to give a handgun to a child.
In the House, Reps. Carolyn Weinhold, D-Salina, and Tom Robinett,
R-Overland Park, have introduced a bill that would require a five-day waiting period for a handgun purchase.
Tiahrt said his concealed-weapons proposal is based on a Florida law that has been in effect since the late 1980s.
(The following paragraph appeared in the State edition only).
''Some people think the reason tourists have suddenly become targets in Florida is because crooks know that they are not allowed to carry weapons on airplanes, so when they get off the airplanes, they know they're unarmed," Tiahrt said. "We do think that there is strong evidence that this is going to be a deterrent to crime in Kansas."
Tiahrt's bill would require a background check, and those with a past felony conviction, a history of mental illness or a recent history of alcohol or drug dependency or violence would not be eligible for a permit.
His proposal would still prohibit carrying a concealed weapon in some places, such as jails, courthouses and schools.
Those who carried a concealed weapon without a permit could get up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines. (The following sentence appeared in the State edition only). Tiahrt also expects to stiffen penalties for crimes committed with guns and for knowingly stealing or illegally having a firearm.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Hays, said the committee probably would introduce the bill and hold hearings. (The remainder of this story appeared in the State edition only). Early reaction to the proposal is mixed
Committee member Bill Brady, D-Parsons, said the measure seems to him, at first blush, to be a contradiction of other moves the Legislature is making.
''I would be very skeptical from a safety standpoint," Brady said. "Even if the person carrying it has the ability to handle it, I guess I would be concerned about the potential for accidents to happen."
But committee member Pat Ranson, R-Wichita, said she is leaning toward support of Tiahrt's bill. She wants to hear from police and her constituents.
If Wichita requires that its residents to register their guns, Ranson said, those residents might like to go a step further and win the right to carry concealed weapons.
''Certainly in Wichita the criminals are getting bolder and bolder," Ranson said. They're going into restaurants, accosting people at their homes, she said.
''It has been scary, and it only gets scarier. I think that we are becoming afraid to leave our homes," Ranson said. "When I look at the statistics on the states where they have 'concealed carry,' it seems to have reduced the violent crime rates."
Caption: PHOTO: Sen. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard
Memo: LEGISLATURE 1994
Edition: CITY
Section: CITY AND STATE
Page: 1D
Record Number: 9401050513
Copyright (c) 1994 The Wichita Eagle
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