Kansas would increase the penalties for burglarizing a home, building or vehicle intending to steal a firearm under a bill before a state Senate committee. 

The Senate Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee was having a hearing Tuesday on the measure.  The bill also increases the penalties for any home burglary. 

State law currently doesn’t make a distinction when a burglar intends to steal a gun. 

The bill would allow a judge to sentence a first-time offender to up to two years and 10 months in prison for burglarizing a home, building or vehicle intending to steal a firearm. 

The bill would make the potential prison sentence for any home burglary six months longer for a first-time offender, for a maximum of 19 months.