TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Backers of a new Kansas gun-rights law taking effect in July are describing provisions dealing with the drunken possession of firearms as a significant improvement for public safety.

But an official with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence sees the language as problematic because it contains a self-defense exception.

The new law strips cities and counties of their power to regulate guns and ensures that the open carrying of firearms is legal across the state.

It also makes it clear that carrying a loaded firearm while drunk or under the influence of drugs is a misdemeanor.

The state has a law criminalizing possession under the influence for holders of state concealed carry permits, but state law didn’t have an explicit rule for other gun owners.