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Text of Sebelius veto message on concealed guns bill
Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. - The text of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto message on a bill allowing Kansans to carry concealed guns:
"I support the Second Amendment and the right of our citizens to keep and bear arms. It's an important part of our heritage and way of life in Kansas, and I've upheld that right as Gov.. All law-abiding Kansans have the right to own a weapon to provide for their protection and the protection of their families.
"Last year, I signed a bill to allow retired law enforcement officers, who have unique experience and special training, to carry concealed weapons. The new law also makes sure Kansas hunters and law-abiding gun owners don't violate the law by mistake when traveling. These changes, strongly supported by the National Rifle Association, were commonsense improvements to Kansas gun laws.
As violent crime rates in Kansas continue to drop below surrounding states with concealed carry laws, I continue to hear from the police chiefs and other law enforcement officials, members of the clergy, health care workers, and employers throughout our state that concealed weapons on the streets make our citizens less safe and secure.
"While every law-abiding Kansan has a right to keep and bear arms, hidden weapons make it harder for law enforcement to do its job, and they make Kansas' workplaces less safe. Legislators know concealed weapons are a safety threat, which is why they ban them in their own workplace - the Capitol. Because of opposition from law enforcement and business leaders, I cannot support allowing hidden weapons into businesses, restaurants, malls and any number of other public places.
Therefore, in order to keep hidden weapons off Kansas streets, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I veto Senate Bill 418."
Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. - The text of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto message on a bill allowing Kansans to carry concealed guns:
"I support the Second Amendment and the right of our citizens to keep and bear arms. It's an important part of our heritage and way of life in Kansas, and I've upheld that right as Gov.. All law-abiding Kansans have the right to own a weapon to provide for their protection and the protection of their families.
"Last year, I signed a bill to allow retired law enforcement officers, who have unique experience and special training, to carry concealed weapons. The new law also makes sure Kansas hunters and law-abiding gun owners don't violate the law by mistake when traveling. These changes, strongly supported by the National Rifle Association, were commonsense improvements to Kansas gun laws.
As violent crime rates in Kansas continue to drop below surrounding states with concealed carry laws, I continue to hear from the police chiefs and other law enforcement officials, members of the clergy, health care workers, and employers throughout our state that concealed weapons on the streets make our citizens less safe and secure.
"While every law-abiding Kansan has a right to keep and bear arms, hidden weapons make it harder for law enforcement to do its job, and they make Kansas' workplaces less safe. Legislators know concealed weapons are a safety threat, which is why they ban them in their own workplace - the Capitol. Because of opposition from law enforcement and business leaders, I cannot support allowing hidden weapons into businesses, restaurants, malls and any number of other public places.
Therefore, in order to keep hidden weapons off Kansas streets, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I veto Senate Bill 418."
