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United States News Title: House backs no gun permits House backs no gun permits By BEN NEARY Associated Press writer http://[oas:casperstartribune.net/news/wyoming:Middle1] CHEYENNE -- Wyoming residents would be able to carry concealed handguns without going through the existing state permit process under a bill that received initial approval Wednesday from the House of Representatives. By a voice vote, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill. It still needs two more approvals in the House before it would head to the Senate. The bill would specify that in order to carry a concealed handgun, a person must be at least 21 years old, not be a felon and not habitually use alcohol to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. Supporters said the legislation wouldn't do away with Wyoming's existing permit system for concealed handguns. Holders of such permits, which require a state background check, can carry concealed weapons in other states with reciprocity agreements and also don't have to wait for criminal background checks before buying handguns from dealers. Rep. Becket Hinckley, R-Cheyenne and among the sponsors of the bill, said the legislation will appeal to people who don't trust the government and don't want to submit to government background checks before exercising their right to carry guns. He said hunters often want to carry handguns under their coats, but don't want to place their names on any government lists by applying for concealed carry permits. Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, said he owns guns and enjoys shooting. However, he said Wyoming is among the top states in the country in terms of gun-related deaths by population and said the state doesn't need legislation to encourage more people to carry guns. Zwonitzer quoted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states in part that a "well-regulated militia" is necessary to the security of a free state. He said he wouldn't have a problem with the bill if it specified that members of the Wyoming National Guard have a right to carry weapons. Rep. Stephen Watt, R-Rock Springs, responded that the term "militia," when the Constitution was written, "included just about everybody in America." Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, said the question comes down to whether lawmakers trust the people. "As a native son of Wyoming, I've hunted and fished, and grew up with guns," Harshman said. "It's been a real joy." Byron Oedekoven, executive director of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, said after the House vote that his group opposes the legislation and intends to lobby lawmakers to oppose it. "The bill is troubling," Oedekoven said. "And please convey that we are for the Second Amendment." Among the association's concerns with the bill, Oedekoven said, is no requirement that people show any proficiency with a handgun and no requirement that they undergo criminal background checks.
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