Kansas Moms, Everytown: Governor Brownback Signing SB 45 a “Dangerous Setback for Public Safety”

Governor Brownback Ignores 78 Percent of Kansans Who Believe Concealed Handgun Carriers Should Have a Permit

Topeka, KS – The Kansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today condemned Governor Sam Brownback’s decision to sign S.B. 45, legislation that will effectively dismantle the state’s concealed carry permitting system. By signing the bill, Governor Brownback has ensured Kansas will become one of only five states to allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public places without any training or permit required.

Over the last several months, Everytown and Kansas Moms Demand Action have spoken out against the bill. The two groups released a poll showing 78 percent of Kansans oppose this misguided effort to allow dangerous people and those who have never handled a firearm before to carry handguns in public.

“We’re disappointed that Governor Brownback and the Kansas legislature chose to ignore the will of 78 percent of Kansans who know how important basic handgun training is before carrying a weapon,” said TerriLynn Barnett Miller, Kansas Moms Demand Action volunteer Chapter Leader. “Over the last several months, moms, gun violence survivors, gun shop owners, and plenty of other Kansans spoke out against this dangerous setback for public safety. But today Governor Brownback ignored us, looked the other way, and our state will be less safe as a result.”