Steven Mace
12-27-2001, 04:16 AM
Kentucky's Disdain for Gun Control Complicates Attempt to Boost Capitol Security
12-26-01 Associated Press
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky legislators' disdain for gun control is complicating efforts to increase security at the state Capitol.
Security measures initiated since the Sept. 11 attacks include metal detectors, which are expected to be installed by Jan. 8, when the 2002 General Assembly begins.
But security personnel don't know if they will be allowed to do anything if the machines detect guns.
State Police and the Finance Cabinet, the agency responsible for state property, are still trying to determine if people with guns can be kept out of the Capitol or if they merely can be identified and watched.
The problem is that lawmakers in 1998 rejected an executive order by Gov. Paul Patton that would have banned concealed weapons from state buildings.
A 1996 measure legalized the carrying of concealed weapons for people who have a permit, and Kentucky does not ban the carrying of weapons in plain sight.
The sponsor of the concealed-carry law believes the new metal detectors are "a massive waste of taxpayers' money." Rep. Bob Damron said he will introduce a resolution demanding the removal of the devices. He suggested giving them to schools or courthouses.
Guns are banned from schools in Kentucky, and judges have authority to bar them from courthouses.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,41614,00.html
Steve Mace
12-26-01 Associated Press
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky legislators' disdain for gun control is complicating efforts to increase security at the state Capitol.
Security measures initiated since the Sept. 11 attacks include metal detectors, which are expected to be installed by Jan. 8, when the 2002 General Assembly begins.
But security personnel don't know if they will be allowed to do anything if the machines detect guns.
State Police and the Finance Cabinet, the agency responsible for state property, are still trying to determine if people with guns can be kept out of the Capitol or if they merely can be identified and watched.
The problem is that lawmakers in 1998 rejected an executive order by Gov. Paul Patton that would have banned concealed weapons from state buildings.
A 1996 measure legalized the carrying of concealed weapons for people who have a permit, and Kentucky does not ban the carrying of weapons in plain sight.
The sponsor of the concealed-carry law believes the new metal detectors are "a massive waste of taxpayers' money." Rep. Bob Damron said he will introduce a resolution demanding the removal of the devices. He suggested giving them to schools or courthouses.
Guns are banned from schools in Kentucky, and judges have authority to bar them from courthouses.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,41614,00.html
Steve Mace