Hijacking another popular phrase, I contend there is a malcontent born every minute. It seems, Pratt County Kansas did not like the will of the people expanding their God given right of self-protection and sought to circumvent the new concealed carry law changes claiming Home Rule.
HB2052 became effective July 1, 2013 and forces Kansas municipalities to put in metal detectors or allow concealed carry permit holders the ability to carry into city and county buildings. Metal detectors are only one method of “adequate security” as stated in the bill, but it is the best way to keep dangerous instruments out. Prior to HB2052, the political brain trust thought a polypropylene “no guns” sign would keep the guns out, permit holders and criminals alike.
HB2052 is the glimmer of political logic and reason in Kansas. A plastic sign keeps nobody safe so either put in the wand bearing security guards or let me protect me and my family with my firearm. Heaven forbid I ever have to do so.
In a Boot the Head – opinion issued July 5th, 2013, Kansas Attorney General Derrick Schmidt states:
“Because the “Personal and Family Protection Act” is a uniform enactment applicable to all counties, a county may not enact a charter resolution to exempt itself from the provisions of Section 2 of L. 2013, Ch. 105, or from
any other provision of the PFPA.”
I am not sure who of the political elite in Pratt County Kansas had issue with the new law. I am guessing they either couldn’t stomach the fact that “Jim Bob” could carry into their County Commission Meetings or they couldn’t stand the thought of county employees carrying guns while inspecting something around the rural crack manufacturing complex.
You have to hand it to them for completely ignoring their opportunity for the four year building exemption after submitting a security plan the Attorney General, and going right to the heart of the matter. We in Pratt County know better than you stupid Kansas voters and don’t want you hayseeds with guns coming into our buildings. We can’t afford the metal detectors; the courthouse lawn needs underground sprinklers.
You can contact the Pratt County Commission here.
AG Opinion:
http://ksag.washburnlaw.edu/opinions/2013/2013-011.pdf
HB2052 Summary:
http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2013_14/measures/documents/summary_hb_2052_2013.pdf
HB2052 Full Text:
http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2013_14/measures/documents/hb2052_enrolled.pdf