WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Wichita will allow concealed guns in nearly all of its city-owned buildings including libraries, recreational centers and the Wichita Art Museum.
The city council voted Tuesday to allow people carrying concealed guns in all but 16 of 107 city-owned buildings, beginning Jan. 1.
The Wichita Eagle reports guns will be banned at City Hall, Mid-Continent Airport buildings, police buildings and city housing department facilities. Operators that lease city buildings, such as the Wichita Boathouse, will determine if guns will be allowed.
A new state law permits local governments to exempt public buildings if they have proper postings and adequate security measures.
City staff proposed banning guns in 34 buildings. But Deputy City Attorney Sharon Dickgrafe said the only way to prevent lawsuits was to allow concealed-carry in most buildings.