KU & Emporia State Store Student Guns on Campus December 7, 2015

(AP) – The University of Kansas is one of two universities in the state that provides storage for guns on campus, though only a handful of students use the service.

The Lawrence Journal World (http://bit.ly/21Jeg03 ) reports the university’s Office of Public Safety has provided gun storage for students, faculty and staff living on campus since 2009.

University police Capt. James Anguiano says the free storage is aimed at hunters who want to bring their firearms to school, but are not allowed to keep the weapons in their on-campus residence halls or apartments. He says about four to five students per semester store their guns.

Emporia State University also provides gun storage for students.

Under state law, Kansas public universities must allow concealed weapons on campus beginning July 2017. The Kansas Board of Regents and individual universities are working on policies to implement the change.

Bills to Consuder Guns on Campus in Missouri December 4, 2015

(AP) – Two Republican Missouri lawmakers want to allow concealed carry of firearms on college campuses.

State senators this past week filed legislation to lift the current ban on concealed carry at higher education institutions.

A bill filed by GOP Sen. Brian Munzlinger, of Williamstown, also includes a provision that would allow colleges to opt out. They would need to apply with the state Department of Public Safety and staff all building entrances with security guards and weapons detectors.

The proposed legislation comes amid debate over how to prevent campus gun violence following last month’s shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon.

Supporters say lawful gun owners should be allowed to bring weapons on campuses for protection. Some Democratic lawmakers blasted the Missouri bills and said guns won’t prevent more shootings.