Overland Park to consider amendment to open carry
October 23, 2012
Overland Park, KS – Stricter regulations on the open carry of handguns that would mirror the state of Kansas concealed carry gun law are going to be considered by members of the Overland Park City Council.
Councilmember Jim Hix is asking that on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the City Council’s six-member Public Safety Committee discuss requiring additional regulations for open carry of handguns. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the W. Jack Sanders Justice Center, 12401 Foster.
“In general terms, a concealed carry permit requires an applicant to be 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and complete an eight-hour weapons safety and training course. It also has restrictions related to criminal history, drug arrests, mental health issues and more,” said Hix.
“Based on the Kansas Attorney General’s 2011 opinion, I believe the city can impose additional, reasonable and frankly, appropriate restrictions on open carry that are similar to those required for concealed carry in the state of Kansas.”
Overland Park officials have heard from concealed carry and open carry advocates concerned that there are fewer restrictions on open carry than on concealed carry, Hix said.
The City Council voted last month to approve an ordinance that brings Overland Park into compliance with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s legal opinion prohibiting cities from banning open carry.
Contact
Sean Reilly
913-895-6109
Sean.Reilly@opkansas.org