The state House voted Thursday to override the veto of Governor Kathleen Sebelius and enact into law the controversial concealed weapons bill.
Under the new provision, citizens of Kansas will be able to obtain concealed-weapons permits from their sheriff if they are at least 21-years-old and take firearms training. Concealed weapons will not be permitted in certain settings like libraries, courthouses, churches and schools.
The vote in the state House was 91-33 to override, seven more votes than the required two-thirds majority. The Senate voted 30-10 for the override Wednesday night, three votes more than needed.
Senator Phil Journey, one of the new law's sponsors, said it was 'about making Kansans safer. ... It's about trusting law abiding citizens to make this choice.'
When she vetoed the measure, Governor Sebelius questioned its effectiveness and noted fierce opposition to the proposal by business leaders and law enforcement officials.
This is the third time a Kansas governor has vetoed the legislation. In 2004, Sebelius vetoed a similar measure and Republican Bill Graves did so as well in 1997.
This was also the first time in 12 years a Kansas governor's veto was overridden.
