On the Issue of Abortion

Despite what political ads claim, there can be no restrictions on abortion in Kansas. The Kansas Supreme Court protects abortion with the “strict scrutiny” standard, the same level of protection as the freedoms of speech and religion, essentially meaning that the constitutional right cannot be restricted. Any significant changes would have to come from the court.

The people of Kansas voiced their opinion on this issue in 2022. I have never advocated for banning abortion and have always supported exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother and protecting access to IVF. In addition, IVF is already protected under Kansas law, and there are no proposals to change that.

My focus is not on what voters decided in 2022, but on what is uncertain in 2024 like reducing inflation, responsibly lowering taxes by making government more efficient, and fully funding schools.

On the Issue of Concealed Carry of Firearms

The age of majority (adult) in Kansas is 18. Kansas law is that residents 18-20 years old can carry a concealed gun for their personal protection if they go through a background check to confirm -they are not prohibited from owning a handgun and take a mandatory 8-hour training course to get a concealed carry license. Once a person has completed the required 8-hour training course, the instructor will sign an affidavit certifying that the person has completed the course, which then is submitted along with an application to the county sheriff’s office. The instructors that teach these classes must be approved and licensed by the attorney general’s office. 

I’m no fan of guns, but unfortunately there are more guns than people in the country. This law and all laws are only followed by law-abiding people, so this law provides a path for law-abiding people to go through a process.

There hasn’t been a single reported incident involving this age group.

Below is info on what is covered in the required course and the process at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

Class Overview:

To meet the requirements set forth by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, an 8 hour course curriculum has been developed covering the following disciplines concerning carrying a concealed handgun in the State of Kansas.

  1. An introductory safety briefing
  2. Basic introduction to handguns, safe handling, and storage of firearms
  3. Firearm care and maintenance
  4. Legal issues relating to the use of deadly force
  5. Use of deadly force (preparedness for confrontations)
  6. Firearm manipulation, marksmanship and practice
  7. A multiple choice written test (self corrected until a 100% score is received, 25 questions)
  8. Range qualification
    Course of fire:
    at 3 yards: total rounds 5, one handed grip
    at 7 yards: total rounds 10, two handed grip
    at 10 yards: total rounds 10, two handed grip

    Scoring:
    18 hits on the scoring portion of the approved target is required to pass.

9. Overall evaluation of student (pass or fail decision made by instructor)

Concealed Carry Handgun License Application Process

Applicants to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien and live in Johnson County, Kansas.
  • Be 18 years of age.
  • Be free from any physical infirmity that prevents safe handling of a weapon.
  • Desire a legal means to carry a concealed weapon for lawful self-defense.
  • Present evidence of and provide a copy of completion of a “weapons safety and training course” approved by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Applicants would have to pay for their training course.
  • Applications for a CCH license must be completed in their county of residence.
  • Must have a valid Kansas driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card.
  • Must include a photocopy of your Kansas driver’s license or Kansas identification card. 
  • If you are a permanent legal resident, include a copy of your U.S.-issued permanent resident alien registration card.
  • Must present a passport-type photo (approximately 2 inches by 2 inches) of the applicant. The photo must be an unobstructed view of their head and shoulders taken within the past 30 days.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Submit to fingerprinting by the Sheriff’s Office.