Topeka ? Gun rights advocates scored a victory when Gov. Kathleen Sebelius made it easier for people to transport firearms in Kansas without fear of being arrested.

A new law the governor signed Friday makes it legal to carry a firearm anywhere in the state as long as it’s unloaded and in an enclosed container. Taking effect July 1, the law says local governments can’t impose more stringent controls.

“Currently hunters and other law-abiding gun owners traveling across Kansas may unknowingly violate gun ordinances by simply driving through another town,” Sebelius said in statement.

Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville, a backer of the legislation, praised the governor. He and other gun rights advocates said the bill was needed to protect gun owners from unfair prosecution.

“It confirms my belief that this is good public policy for the state. It will enhance the economic engine the drives the rural economy, because out-of-state hunters now will know what the rules are,” Journey said.

Local government still can prosecute people for carrying a concealed weapon. The new law also allows local governments to have less restrictive requirements. For instance, a county could allow people to carry firearms in the gun rack of a pickup.

Journey said there had been a lot of confusion about transporting firearms because of a patchwork of local ordinances.

Although local governments complained the legislation would cut into their power, Journey said there are several instances in which cities and counties still retain control.

For instance, cities and counties can say where gun dealers can locate and also have rules more stringent regarding who can own or possess firearms.

The new law also doesn’t prohibit local governments from regulating what weapons their peace officers can carry, and it doesn’t keep local governments from banning firearms at jails, city halls, courtrooms and courthouses.

The new law also allows law enforcement agencies to sell or trade seized firearms and allow sheriffs to execute warrants to seize firearms from delinquent taxpayers. It also sets the stage for retired law enforcement officers to qualify to carry concealed weapons.

Local governments can’t impose greater restrictions than those set by the federal government for purchasing or owning firearms, nor can cities or counties mandate how people store firearms in their homes.

Last year, the governor vetoed a bill allowing Kansans to carry concealed handguns, which upset gun rights advocates.