Geary County Sheriff Tony Wolf and Junction City Police Chief Tim Brown are in opposition of a piece of legislation that would allow anyone to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.

The legislation was introduced in the Senate back in January and passed the Senate on February 26th on a 31-7 vote. It then moved to the house were it was referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

The biggest issue that Sheriff Wolf has with the bill is that it drops the requirement for training before someone can legal conceal a weapon.

“The biggest argument that I have against it is I would like to see the training that is used for the regular concealed carry still implemented into this,” said Wolf. “That’s my biggest complaint about this legislation. Other than that I don’t really have any other gripes about it.”

Chief Brown echoed Wolf’s thoughts.

“Our concern obviously is that these folk’s don’t have any ideas what the laws are, they don’t know about the signage that is required on buildings because there is no education that goes along with this bill. There is no proficiency being tested as to whether or not they are any good with them,” said Brown.

Sheriff Wolf stated that if the bill does pass and is signed into law it won’t change how his deputies conduct their business because they, “deal with everyone on first contact as if they are armed.”

Chief Brown said that he believes the bill passing would put his officer’s in greater danger. “There’s no doubt about that. I think more people carrying firearms is going to cause a problem.”

He also cited two incidents that have occurred over the last two months were his officers have arrested individuals who have a concealed carry permit and were intoxicated.

“Obviously these laws are not changing peoples minds about drinking, and not only driving, but also carrying concealed firearms. That in itself is concerning.”

Both Sheriff Wolf and Chief Brown have spoken with local legislators on the issue.

Currently a state concealed carry permit costs $132.50, and a person must undergo eight hours of training to get one.

The Kansas House has scheduled a hearing on the bill for Friday at 9 a.m. in room 346S.