Wyo. House Panel Backs Concealed-carry Bill

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming residents would be able to carry concealed guns without a permit under a bill that has cleared a legislative committee.

The House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted 8-1 Friday in favor of the bill, sponsored by Casper Republican Senator Kit Jennings. It already has cleared the Senate and now goes to the full House.

The committee amended the bill to specify that people couldn't carry concealed guns while intoxicated.

If the bill becomes law, Wyoming would join Alaska, Arizona and Vermont as states that don't require citizens to have permits to carry concealed weapons.

Supporters of the Wyoming bill say the state and federal constitutions guarantee the people's right to carry guns. Opponents warn against putting more guns into hands of people who shouldn't have them.