Governor signs bill simplifying gun laws

A new law the governor signed Friday makes it legal to carry a firearm anywhere in the state as long as it's unloaded and in an enclosed container. The law, which takes effect July 1, says local governments can't impose more stringent controls.

"Currently hunters and other law-abiding gun owners traveling across Kansas may unknowingly violate gun ordinances by simply driving through another town," Sebelius said in statement.

Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville, a backer of the legislation, praised the governor. He and other gun rights advocates said the bill was needed to protect gun owners from unfair prosecution.

"It confirms my belief that this is good public policy for the state," Journey said. "It will enhance the economic engine that drives the rural economy because out-of-state hunters now will know what the rules are."

Local governments can still prosecute people for carrying a concealed weapon. The new law also allows local governments to have less restrictive requirements. For instance, a county could allow people to carry firearms in the gun rack of a pickup.

The new law also allows law enforcement agencies to sell or trade seized firearms and allows sheriffs to execute warrants to seize firearms from delinquent taxpayers. It also sets the stage for retired law enforcement officers to qualify to carry concealed weapons.