Kansas lawmakers are discussing a measure that would allow residents to own a raccoon as a pet.

 

Lenexa resident Stephen Kaspar helped write the bill currently up for consideration. Kaspar recently testified before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Kaspar says he'd like to see the bill become Kansas law.

 

Several of Kansas' neighboring states have legalized the ownership of raccoons including Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. The current bill before the legislature would require potential owners to obtain a permit, complete a training course, and vaccinate their raccoons. It would also require owners to provide a room in their house for the animal. State Representative Doug Blex says the bill may face pushback from local governments.

 

It is unclear if legislators will take up the bill during the current legislative session. Lawmakers do have the option of taking up bills that are introduced in the current session but not passed during next year's session.