Officials talk security with new gun law

Tammy Helm/Tribune photo Geographical Information Systems Coordinator Shane Walker talks to Bourbon County Commissioners Tuesday about the cost of implementing security at the courthouse. Also pictured are, from left, Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge, Third District Commissioner Harold Coleman and Commission Chair Barbara Albright.

Beginning July 1, a new Kansas law will go into effect which will allow county employees to carry guns to their job.

That means the Bourbon County Commissioners have only weeks to decide whether a security system will be implemented which would prevent employees from carrying guns to work.

On July 1, 2017, the public will also be allowed to carry firearms into the courthouse unless security measures are in place. County Attorney Justin Meeks said that is an extension of the original date of Jan. 1, 2017.

"I think there was a concern, if I remember correctly, about (department heads') employees carrying guns," Albright said.

Meeks said no matter what the commissioners decide about the administrative areas of the courthouse, the chief judge can prohibit guns or other weapons from being carried into courtrooms.

Treasurer Rhonda Dunn had questions about whether employees would be required to notify their employer or if the employer has the right to ask if an employee is carrying a gun.