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HB 2778

Removing the current exception to the criminal use of weapons statute that allows any individual over the age of 21 or with a provisional license to possess a concealed handgun in or on school property or grounds or at any regularly scheduled school-sponsored activity or event if not otherwise prohibited under either federal or state law.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HB 2778 would remove an exception allowing certain adults to carry concealed handguns on school property or at school events.

Died in Committee
#crimes #punishmentandcriminalprocedure #firearms
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Bill Summary · HB 2778

Summary of HB 2778 (Kansas, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 2778 seeks to remove a current exception to the Kansas criminal use of weapons statute. Specifically, it targets the provision that allows individuals who are over 21 years old or possess a provisional license to carry a concealed handgun onto school property, grounds, or at regularly scheduled school-sponsored activities or events, so long as they are not prohibited by federal or state law. The bill would restrict, prohibit, or otherwise modify the ability to carry a concealed weapon in school-related settings by eliminating this exception.

Key provisions (as proposed)

  • Repeal/Removal of exception: The primary change would be to remove the allowance that previously permitted certain adults (over 21 or with a provisional license) to possess a concealed handgun on school property or at school-sponsored events, where not otherwise prohibited by law.
  • Scope of affected locations: School property, school grounds, and regularly scheduled school-sponsored activities or events.
  • Compliance framework: The bill would align with existing criminal weapons offenses by superseding the current exception; it would likely increase enforcement and penalties consistent with the criminal use of weapons statutes for gun possession in school contexts, though the specific penalty structure would depend on the text of the bill and related statutes.
  • Interactions with existing laws: The change would operate within Kansas’ broader statutes governing unlawful possession of a weapon, concealed carry, and school safety, potentially affecting allowances under other licenses or permits and any related exemptions.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals previously permitted under the now-removed exception: Adults over age 21 and holders of provisional concealed carry licenses who would otherwise be allowed to carry a concealed handgun on school property or at school events.
  • Schools and school districts: Responsible for enforcing the revised rules and communicating policy implications to students, staff, and visitors.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: Would enforce the updated prohibition and apply relevant criminal weapon statutes in school contexts.
  • Public safety and community: Potential changes in incidents related to firearms on school property, with corresponding impact on safety protocols and reporting.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: February 12, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs (February 12, 2026).
  • Status: Died in Committee as of April 10, 2026, meaning the bill did not advance to floor consideration or receive further committee action in the 2025-2026 session.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Safety and school policy: If enacted, the bill would standardize restrictions on firearms in school environments, potentially reducing the number of individuals who may legally carry on school property under the prior exception.
  • Legal landscape: The bill would tighten alignment with school safety objectives and criminal weapon statutes, requiring districts to adjust policy, signage, and notification practices.
  • Stakeholder impacts: School administrations, law enforcement, educators, parents, and students would need to understand the updated rules and enforcement expectations. Community discussions about firearm safety and school security would likely follow any such policy change.

Note: Because the bill died in committee, it did not become law in the 2025-2026 session. If reintroduced in a future session, provisions could be similar or subject to modification.

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

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