Kansas schools and public agencies could seek firearm detection alerts

The attorney general would contract with a private vendor for firearm detection software. The software would be for public entities and accredited nonpublic schools. The software must detect visible, unholstered firearms and alert building staff and first responders. It must qualify under the federal anti-terrorism technology program, work with building security cameras, and be monitored by the vendor's staffed operations center. It must be developed in the United States without third-party or open-source data. The proposal would take effect after publication in the statute book, if enacted.

Public entities and accredited nonpublic schools could apply to the attorney general for permission to use the software. Public entities include state and local government bodies, entities supported in whole or in part by public funds, and medical care facilities. A hospice certified for Medicare that serves only hospice patients is excluded from the medical care facility definition. The attorney general would set the application form, method, and submission time. Each application must name the buildings where the applicant plans to use the software.

The state would transfer $20 million to a fund for the program when money is available. The attorney general would administer the fund. Money could be spent only to carry out the program and under state appropriation rules. The transfer would be due July 1, 2025, or as soon afterward as money is available.

The attorney general would report annually to specified legislative committees about the program. The report would cover the program for public entities and accredited nonpublic schools. The first report would be due by the first day of the 2026 regular legislative session, with later reports due by the first day of each regular session.