Topeka ? Qualified Kansans will be able to carry concealed guns as early as January under a bill put into law despite Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ veto.

The House overrode the veto, 91-33, today and the Senate, 30-10, on Wednesday. Both votes exceeded the two-thirds majorities needed to beat back a veto.

Sponsors Rep. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, and Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville, were pleased.

“Kansans are going to be safer,” Journey said. “Many criminals are rational human beings, and when they realize there is a good chance that they could get shot committing a violent crime, they’ll probably decide to do something else.”

Ruff said she pushed for the proposal at the request of two rape victims in her district.

She said the law gives Kansans a choice.

“If somebody feels a need or is compelled for their own individual reasons to carry a concealed firearm, now they can do so, if they are law abiding citizens,” Ruff said.

But Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, voted against the measure.

“I don’t think putting more guns in the hands of people in public places is going to lead to greater public safety,” he said.

Under the bill, Kansas residents 21 or older with no criminal background or history of mental illness or drug abuse could obtain a four-year permit after completing an eight-hour training course.

The law takes effect July 1, but it will take several months to ramp up the administrative process to grant permits.

The first permits are expected to be issued in January 2007.

Sebelius vetoed the measure on Tuesday saying it would endanger the public and law enforcement.

After her veto was overridden, Sebelius issued a statement, urging the Legislature to get to work on other issues.

“Now I’m hopeful the Legislature turns its attention to its most important work, which is making sure all Kansas children attend quality schools,” she said.