Brief⁽¹⁾

H.B. 2202, which applies to accredited schools, amends the Weapon-Free Schools Act. The amendment expands the definition of the term "weapon" to include:

• any bludgeon, sandclub, metal knuckles, or throwing star;



• any switchblade knife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle; or



• any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement.

The current exception from the definition of "weapon" for a rifle the owner intends to use solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes, is removed.

Background

H.B. 2202 was requested on behalf of the Governor. The Governor's spokesperson explained that the Governor supports a zero tolerance policy for possession of dangerous weapons at school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events. The spokesperson noted the expansion of the law adds to the listing weapons that are illegal to possess. This bill and H.B. 2196 are part of the Governor's safe schools initiatives. The Kansas National Education Association expressed support for the bill, indicating it favors even further amendment of the Weapon-Free Schools Act to require psychological evaluations for persons expelled under that law. Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by the Assistant Superintendent of Olathe (USD 233).

The law being amended was enacted in 1995 in order to conform to the federal law which requires a one-year expulsion from school for pupils found to be in possession of the weapons enumerated in the law.

The fiscal note indicates that the bill would not affect state revenues or expenditures.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html.