Kansas Senate expected to debate gun rights bill this week

The Kansas Senate is expected to debate this week a bill to allow residents who are 21 or older to carry concealed guns without a state permit.

Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce’s office says the debate should be Wednesday or Thursday. Bruce is a Nickerson Republican, and he’s the measure’s leading sponsor.

The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee approved the bill last week. It ends a requirement for people wanting to carry concealed to get a state permit.

A permit costs $132.50, and a person must undergo eight hours of training to get one.

Gun-rights groups note Kansas has long allowed the open carrying of weapons without a state permit. The bill’s critics say training should be mandated for people carrying concealed weapons.

This story was originally published February 24, 2015 at 8:52 AM with the headline "Kansas Senate expected to debate gun rights bill this week."