Gun Lobbying Funding Considered

Kansas lawmakers are close to approving limits on the use of state tax dollars to lobby federal, state or local officials on gun control issues.

The Senate approved the measure on a 31-6 vote Friday. The House could consider the measure as early as Monday.

House approval would send the bill to Gov. Sam Brownback, who is a strong gun-rights supporter but hasn’t said publicly whether he’d sign the measure.

The bill would bar state and local officials from using state funds to prepare materials or broadcast advertising that promote or oppose gun control measures. They also couldn’t hire lobbyists on the issue with state funds.

Proponents of the measure say Kansans don’t want their tax dollars used on lobbying. Critics said the bill is vague.