Bill would let Kansas law enforcement sell forfeited firearms to licensed federal dealers

SB 137, a bill introduced in committee on Oct. 27, 2025, would amend the Kansas standard asset seizure and forfeiture act to allow firearms forfeited under the civil forfeiture code to be sold or transferred to a properly licensed federal firearms dealer instead of being destroyed or retained only for law‑enforcement use.

The measure was explained to the committee by Mike Hyam of the Reviser's Office, who said the amendment inserts language that firearms ‘‘may be sold or transferred to a properly licensed federal firearms dealer’’ and makes the civil statute comparable to existing criminal procedure provisions in chapter 22. Senator Mark Owens, the bill sponsor, testified in support on behalf of a Harvey County sheriff.

Supporters told the committee the change is narrow and intended to align the civil forfeiture code with criminal forfeiture practice, limit administrative costs from firearm destruction, and keep usable firearms in lawful circulation. ‘‘Firearms belong in…