By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A change in state law this year allows cities to ban open carry of firearms in city-owned buildings.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler recommended the city adopt a prohibition of open carry of firearms within 12 city buildings.

Scheibler explained to city commissioners Thursday night that Kansas open carry law does not require a person to undergo firearms training or to be licensed by the state.

“House Bill 2578 prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing laws that prohibit the open carrying of firearms within the state except in certain areas such as public school buildings,” Scheibler said.

“However, Section Five of the bill allows building owners, including cities and counties, to prohibit concealed or open carry of firearms on their premises as long as there is proper signage that is approved by the Kansas Attorney General,” he noted.

Kent Steward was the only commissioner to vote against the proposed ban:

“There’s no mention in this resolution of the Second Amendment — our constitutional right to carry firearms — and that’s a big deal to me,” Steward said.

“I also think this puts us on a ‘slippery slope’ of what will be banned next. It’s not going to increase safety and it’s a false sense of security. I’m voting no.”

The other four commissioners voted in favor of the resolution.

Mayor Henry Schwaller said he voted for it “because our employees in these 12-city owned buildings asked us to. They’re fearful and concerned about feeling safe at their jobs.”