Topeka ? The issue of whether Kansans should be allowed to legally carry concealed guns is back in play with legislators.

Sen. Phil Journey on Friday introduced a bill – similar to one that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed in 2004 – allowing residents with proper training and background clearance to carry a hidden handgun.

“It’s good public policy. It allows Kansas citizens after a background check and training to have a means to protect themselves, their families and their property,” said Journey, R-Haysville. “It’s an effective deterrent to violent crime.”

Journey said he didn’t know when the bill would get a committee hearing.

Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said the governor hasn’t changed her position, which is to allow only retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed gun.

In her veto message, Sebelius said she supported Kansans’ right to own firearms but didn’t believe a concealed-carry law would make Kansans safer.

“The governor will have to take a look at what comes to her desk, but in general, when a bill that has been vetoed in the past is resubmitted to her in the same form, it has had the same outcome,” Corcoran said.

Legislative leaders said they expected the bill to pass but were uncertain whether there would be enough backing to override a veto. A similar bill passed in 1997, only to be spiked by then-Gov. Bill Graves, who said it would lead to more injuries and deaths from accidents.

Although the bill has strong legislative support, it also has opponents, including Wichita lawyer Kelly Johnston, chairman of the Safe State Kansas coalition.

“I have never understood what social ill or problem this kind of legislation is designed to fix,” Johnston said. “This is a cure without an illness.”

He said the push nationally for such laws began in the early 1990s.

Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Illinois are the only four states without some law allowing for the carrying of concealed weapons.

Nebraska legislators are in the process of passing such a bill supported by Gov. Dave Heineman, and Wisconsin lawmakers this week sent a version to Gov. Jim Doyle, who has vowed to veto it.

The Kansas bill is backed by the National Rifle Assn., whose lobbyist Keith Wood said, “It’s the best chance that it’s had in a long time.”

Under the proposal, Kansans who are 21 or older and are U.S. citizens would fill out an application with their local sheriff and pay a fee of up to $150.

The attorney general’s office would issue the permits after conducting background checks to eliminate those with a felony record, a history of mental illness or drug or alcohol addiction, or a physical infirmity that would prevent the safe handling of a weapon.