TOPEKA — Kansas opponents of concealed weapons on college campuses are preparing to fight against the law ahead of its 2017 implementation deadline.

State-run universities must begin allowing concealed weapons onto campuses next July.

Schools must submit proposed policies to the Kansas Board of Regents by October. Campus carry legislation was passed several years ago, but schools have been able to opt out. The exemptions run out in July.

The next legislative session begins in January and lawmakers who want to stop concealed carry on campuses will have six months to change Kansas law.

Democratic state Rep. Barbara Ballard, whose district includes part of the University of Kansas, says lawmakers who oppose the law see better prospects for repealing it in the next legislative session, but they can’t be sure.

Democratic state Sen. Tom Hawk said he recently met with a Republican about reintroducing legislation that would allow universities to set their own policies regarding guns on campus. Hawk said he was surprised that there wasn’t more urgency from faculty and students

Republican state Rep. Melissa Rooker says she supports Second Amendment rights for hunting and self-protection, but is concerned about firearms in a college environment. Rooker says she supports allowing universities to create site-specific guidelines.