Bill > HB2381

This bill establishes a safe and secure firearm detection program in the Kansas Attorney General's office designed to help public entities and accredited nonpublic schools enhance their security. The program involves contracting with a private vendor to provide specialized firearm detection software that can detect visible, unholstered firearms through security camera systems. The software must be developed in the United States, qualified under federal anti-terrorism technology standards, and managed by a constantly monitored operations center with trained analysts who can quickly communicate potential threats to law enforcement. Public entities and schools can apply to the Attorney General for authorization to use the software, specifying which buildings will implement the system. The bill creates a dedicated "safe and secure firearm detection fund" in the state treasury, with an initial transfer of $20 million from the state general fund on July 1, 2025. The Attorney General is required to submit an annual report to legislative committees about the program and is authorized to develop rules and regulations for its implementation. The bill defines "public entities" broadly to include state agencies, political subdivisions, and medical care facilities like hospitals and surgical centers, with the goal of improving safety in public spaces.