Topeka ? Law enforcement agencies across Kansas plan to distribute more than 200,000 gun locks as part of the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project ChildSafe campaign.

Last year the foundation gave out about 20,000 locks in Kansas, spokeswoman Dee Dee Dockins said Wednesday after a Statehouse ceremony to launch the distribution effort.

National Shooting Sports Foundation Project ChildSafe

This year, the Kansas Highway Patrol, sheriff’s offices and police departments will help hand out 218,500 of the locks.

The foundation bought the locks through a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and is handing them out around the country.

Dockins said gun owners should use the locks or similar devices to help keep guns out of the hands of children.

“We’re talking about responsible firearms ownership,” she said. “If you’re not willing to take any of these responsibilities on, you should not own a gun.”

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius last week vetoed a bill that would have allowed Kansans to carry concealed weapons if they meet certain criteria.

Proponents of the measure said it would allow Kansans to defend themselves. But opponents had argued that allowing concealed weapons would increase the potential for accidental deaths — especially among children.

Lt. Gov. John Moore said Kansans should never have to hear about another child being killed by a gun that was carelessly left out by the owner.

“We want to make sure safety exists in every gun owner’s home,” Moore said.