The state of Kansas saw the lowest number of concealed carry permit applications in nearly 15 years this year.
According to a news release from Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office Friday, the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 3,193 new applications between Jul. 1, 2019 and Jun. 30, 2020. This is the lowest number in a single fiscal year since 2006.
While the number of new applications has dwindled, the number of permit renewals has not. The unit received more than 12,000 renewal applications during this fiscal year.
Schmidt says via the news releases, “Many Kansans continue to recognize the benefits of obtaining a license, including our reciprocity agreements with other states.” “Our work with other states ensures Kansas licensees can carry a handgun when they travel in many places outside of Kansas.”
Licenses remain a requirement in several US states, with Kansas licenses being recognized within 40 different states other than Kansas itself. Currently, more than 90,000 Kansans have concealed carry licenses.
Along with obtaining a permit, Schmidt also encourages any Kansas who currently or plan to carry a firearm in the future to pursue firearms training opportunities.
