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SB 506

Increasing the penalty for a second or subsequent adjudication of criminal use of weapons and modifying the penalties for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and the length of the ban on possessing a weapon for certain felons.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 506 would raise penalties for repeat criminal use of a weapon, toughen penalties for felons possessing weapons, and extend weapon bans for certain felons.

Died in Committee
#crimes #punishmentandcriminalprocedure
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Bill Summary · SB 506

Summary of SB 506 (2025-2026) – Kansas

Purpose and intent

SB 506 aims to strengthen penalties related to criminal use of weapons and to modify penalties for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, including the duration of the weapon possessory ban for certain felons. The overarching goal is to deter weapon-related crime and to tighten post-conviction restrictions on firearms for individuals with prior felony convictions.

Key provisions

  • Increased penalty for second or subsequent adjudication of criminal use of a weapon (CUW):

    • The bill raises penalties for repeat offenders who are adjudicated for criminal use of a weapon. While the exact enhanced sentence framework (e.g., longer prison term, higher fines, or both) is not specified here, the change targets recidivist CUW cases to impose more severe consequences than a first offense.

  • Criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (CPWCF):

    • The bill modifies the penalties for individuals convicted of criminal possession of a weapon who also have a felony conviction. This could involve:
    • Heightened mandatory minimums or term lengths
    • Distinctions based on prior criminal history or weapon type
    • Potential adjustments to sentencing guidelines or statutory ranges

  • Length of weapon possessory bans for certain felons:

    • SB 506 includes changes to how long felons are barred from possessing weapons. The length of the ban may be extended for certain categories of felons, aligning with the focus on reducing recidivism and weapon access for high-risk individuals.

Who/what is affected

  • Offenders convicted of criminal use of a weapon (CUW): Especially those with a second or subsequent adjudication, who would face enhanced penalties under the bill.
  • Offenders convicted of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (CPWCF): Felons previously convicted of felonious weapon offenses whose penalties would be adjusted.
  • Felons subject to weapon possessory bans: Individuals with qualifying felony convictions affected by updated duration restrictions on possessing firearms.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:

    • Introduced: February 11, 2026
    • Referred to: Senate Committee on Judiciary (February 12, 2026)

  • Committee action:

    • The bill progressed to committee but did not advance past committee, as indicated by the action history noting “Died in Committee” on April 10, 2026. This means it did not receive final floor consideration or enactment during the 2025-2026 session.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public safety: By imposing stiffer penalties on repeat weapon offenders and extending or clarifying weapon bans for felons, the bill seeks to reduce the incidence of weapon-related crime and improve long-term public safety.
  • Judicial discretion and sentencing: The changes could narrow or alter guidelines for judges in CUW and CPWCF cases, potentially increasing incarceration rates or adjusting fines for certain offenders.
  • Impact on felons’ rights: Longer weapon bans would affect individuals’ ability to possess firearms during periods of probation, post-release, or under court orders, impacting housing, employment, and personal rights during the hold period.
  • Legislative trajectory: The bill did not become law in the 2025-2026 session due to dying in committee; future sessions could reintroduce similar provisions with potential refinements.

If you’d like, I can adapt this summary to emphasize a particular provision (e.g., sentencing ranges, ban durations) once more detail becomes available or once the bill text is published.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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