Letter: A few rules

To the editor:

I am opposed to the new concealed carry law for some the reasons articulated by its opponents. To address some of the objections to the law I propose the following amendment.

A person would, under penalty of perjury, apply for a permit from their local police or sheriff’s department. A simple computer background check would be run and, if passed, a permit would be issued stating the person may carry a concealed handgun only in Kansas. Also, the person would receive a copy of the relevant laws including that failure to comply with the law invalidates the permit. A $25 fee would be charged.

This process would at least initially require a person to interact with law enforcement and be independently qualified before legally carrying a concealed handgun. Also, the person would have a copy of the law and thereby be able to know the limitations on concealed carry.

Even if one assumes concealed carry is a constitutional right, these are minimal restrictions on the right and are consistent with lawful restrictions placed on other constitutional rights, including on the Second Amendment.