By Johanna Hecht and Kirsten Peterson
KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA – A House committee has approved a bill that would allow possession of air guns on school property.

However, not everyone is happy. Some lawmakers believe the bill gives the state too much control of school activities—control they say belongs in the hands of the school boards.

“The school district should absolutely have control over what activities occur on their property. It’s their jurisdiction, not my jurisdiction,” said Rep. Stephanie Clayton, R- Overland Park.
Clayton spoke  before the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

Rep. Nancy Lusk, D-Overland Park, agreed. Lusk asked the committee to strike provisions of the bill that says schools would not be required to obtain liability insurance. The committee agreed with Lusk and approved an amendment that would let schools decide whether or not they want liability insurance.

Another concern raised in the committee meeting was student safety.

Clayton described an incident at Hocker Grove Middle School in Shawnee, across the street from where she lives.

Suspects were accused of pointing an air gun at a middle school student. Even though the charges were dropped, parents and the local community are upset about the air gun bill, Clayton said.

Edited by Madeline Mikinski