Senate Substitute for HB 2056 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Clarifying the eligibility requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun under the personal and family protection act.
Impact
The proposed legislation has implications for state voting laws, specifically regarding the final timeframe in which ballots can be accepted. By amending existing statutes, HB2056 prepares for changes in the logistics of handling votes, which could influence voter turnout and confidence in the electoral processes. The enactment of this bill may also lead to revisions of procedures at polling places and in county election offices, possibly requiring additional training or operational adjustments to align with the new deadlines.
Summary
House Bill 2056 focuses on revising the regulations surrounding advance voting ballots in the state of Kansas. It stipulates that all advance voting ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on the day of the election, ensuring a clear and concrete deadline for ballot submissions. This amendment to K.S.A. 25-1132 aims to streamline the handling and counting of advance ballots which are essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process. The bill is part of ongoing efforts to clarify voting procedures and may affect how voters approach advance voting options in future elections.
Contention
Although the bill passed with a vote of 77 to 45, there may still be contention surrounding its implementation. Critics of setting a stringent deadline like 7 p.m. for ballot returns argue that it could disenfranchise voters who rely on mail-in ballots due to postal delays or other factors. The discussion may also touch upon the balance between ensuring timely election outcomes and accommodating diverse voter needs. The provisions of the bill will necessitate enforcement and adherence to new guidelines that could be challenged by advocacy groups focused on expanding voter access.
Requiring a concealed carry license to lawfully carry a concealed handgun and exempting colleges and universities from the public buildings requirements under the personal and family protection act.
Updating cross references in the personal and family protection act regarding the eligibility requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun, requiring the surrender of a suspended or revoked license, providing for a transition from a provisional license to a standard license and prohibiting the collection of personal information of an off-duty law enforcement officer entering buildings while armed or requiring such officer to wear any item identifying such person as a law enforcement officer or being armed.
Updating cross references in the personal and family protection act regarding the eligibility requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun, requiring the surrender of a suspended or revoked license, providing for a transition from a provisional license to a standard license and prohibiting the collection of personal information of an off-duty law enforcement officer entering buildings while armed or requiring such officer to wear any item identifying such person as a law enforcement officer or being armed.
Authorizing federally licensed firearm dealers, in addition to county sheriffs, to receive applications for concealed carry licenses and forward such applications to the attorney general, prohibiting sheriffs from assessing any fee related to application services and allowing dealers to assess a fee related to application services not to exceed $20.