Do gun sellers need to perform background checks at Kansas gun shows? What new rule says

A gun show is heading to Wichita this week , and visitors looking to make a purchase have a new rule to follow.

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse in Kansas refused to block the nationwide enforcement of a Biden administration rule requiring firearms dealers to do background checks of buyers at gun shows, according to the Associated Press last week.

The rule aims to close a loophole that allowed guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who don’t perform background checks on buyers to make sure they aren’t legally allowed to own a gun.

Under the Biden administration’s new rule, more gun dealers will be required to be federally licensed. It still faces legal challenges from Kansas, Missouri, Texas and other states , but the judge’s ruling allows it to go into effect.

Before you head to a future gun show or make a purchase, here’s what you need to know .

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO BUY A GUN?

State law allows minors to purchase guns as long as the barrel is longer than 12 inches. There are also exceptions that allow shorter barrels, such as if a minor is at home or on a shooting range.

Otherwise, Kansas prohibits any person from knowingly selling, giving or transferring any gun to a person under the age of 18, a felon or an unlawful user of a controlled substance, according to state law . The state does not have any laws aimed at firearms trafficking or “ghost guns,” which are guns assembled from parts bought in different places.

WHAT BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE BUYING A GUN?

There are no state-specific background checks, only the one required by federal law. Kansas’ gun sellers must initiate background checks directly with the FBI.

Sellers must now do this at gun shows. Before the Biden Administration’s ruling in April, “transient” sellers did not have to perform a background check on a potential buyer .

Kansas has no law requiring firearms to be registered, and residents do not face a waiting period when buying a gun. Neither gun owners nor purchasers are required to obtain a license from the state.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM ON THEIR PERSON?

In Kansas, anyone over age 21 is allowed to carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. Those aged 18-21 can do so with a concealed carry permit .

Guns are allowed in most places in Kansas, but not inside K-12 school buildings or at school events. They are allowed at colleges and universities, however. Local governments are not allowed to apply these restrictions to other public places.

Guns are only prohibited in buildings with posted signage and “adequate security,” including metal detectors and armed security guards.

The Star’s Natalie Wallington contributed to this report.

Do you have more questions about firearm laws in Kansas or Missouri? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.