Panel Oks taking guns to range with no permits

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama House committee has approved a bill to allow a person to carry a pistol in his or her vehicle without a permit if the person is going to a range to practice firing the weapon.

The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee voted 5-3 in favor of the bill. It is opposed by some law enforcement officials who have argued it would give criminals a way to get around the law requiring them to have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Some sheriffs have said it would reduce the amount of money their departments receive from selling pistol permits.

The sponsor, Republican Rep. Becky Nordgren of Gadsden, said the bill would encourage people to learn to use the weapons they have at home.