Last month, Gov. Laura Kelly called a special session of the Kansas Legislature to deal with tax issues. The special session adjourned this week, lasting less than 24 hours. Despite the brevity, pro-gun Senators J.R. Claeys (SD-24) and Dennis Pyle (SD-1) used this opportunity to introduce two pro-gun bills, SB 7 and SB 8. While the bills didn't move during the special session, they served the purpose of starting the conversation for the 2025 regular legislative session, where the bills will be reintroduced. The NRA and its members along with gun rights supporters across the state thank the Senators for beginning this discussion to bring meaningful advancements to our Second Amendment rights in Kansas.
SB 7, introduced by Sen. Pyle, provides an alternative avenue to complete fingerprinting for concealed carry permit applications. Currently, all fingerprinting for concealed carry permits is conducted through the county sheriff's office. This legislation allows fingerprinting to be conducted by an FFL, who provides such services, and allows the application to be forwarded from that dealer, providing a private sector alternative. Last year, legislation was signed into law removing the state fees for concealed carry permits.
SB 8, introduced by Sen. Claeys, would exempt the sale of firearms, firearms accessories, ammunition, firearm safes, and firearm safety devices from the retailers' sales tax.