Kansans can have them, carry them, and shoot them. But did you know you don't have a constitutional right to own a gun in Kansas?
At least, not yet. This November, when you vote for legislators and a new governor, you will also be asked to amend the Kansas State Constitution - to give Kansans the right to own a gun.
In addition to the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, many other states have enshrined the right to bear arms in their state documents as well.
Despite the ability for law-abiding, of-age Kansans to rent and shoot almost any gun out there (even machine guns), individuals in Kansas do not have a constitutional right to own a gun.
Pretty surprising to the people who were at Wichita's Bullseye Shooting Range Friday.
"I had no idea," said Kevin Davis, who said he likes to shoot recreationally. "I just assumed everybody did. You have the right federally, I would think that would carry over."
And that's why the Amendment's sponsor wants to align Kansas law with national law.
As the Bullseye's owner Mike Relihan put it, "we put it in the constitution, and it firms things up for Kansas citizens."
Currently, there are statutes for Kansas gun ownership. "If we didn't have the right, right now to a certain extent, we wouldn't have people running around owning as many guns as they do," said Relihan.
But lawmakers can change statues with legislation. A constitutional amendment is more difficult to change.
So when you vote this fall, you won't just be voting for various candidates, you'll also vote to possibly change the state constitution.
