11:30 a.m. UPDATE   TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas House committee has delayed a vote on gun-rights legislation so members have more time to consider changes that include provisions punishing possession of a firearm under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee reviewed proposed changes Friday and plans to take the bill up again next week.

The bill would void existing local gun ordinances throughout Kansas. It would ensure that the open carrying of firearms is allowed statewide and bar cities and counties from regulating gun and ammunition sales.

State Rep. and Derby Republican Jim Howell proposed additional language designed to clarify that it’s illegal to possess a firearm while drunk or under the influence of drugs.

But supporters of the bill also wanted to protect a person’s right to self-defense.

 

5:40 a.m. (AP) — A Kansas House committee is preparing to vote on legislation stripping cities and counties of any power to regulate guns or block the open carrying of firearms.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee is expected to approve the measure Friday and send it to the full chamber for debate. National and state gun-rights groups are pushing it.

The bill would void existing local gun ordinances throughout Kansas. It would ensure that the open carrying of firearms is allowed statewide and bar cities and counties from regulating gun and ammunition sales.

The measure would also bar counties and cities from using tax revenue to administer gun buyback programs, and prohibit local governments from regulating knives.

Local government groups oppose the bill, saying city and county officials know their communities best.