COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Colorado House approved a new bill that would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. It wouldn't change the criteria that specifies who is allowed to carry, but people who meet the requirements would simply no longer need a county permit.
Getting rid of the paperwork has law enforcement and some gun rights activists concerned for their safety.
Colorado Springs police said if you're not getting a concealed-carry permit, then you're not going through the proper safety training.
"You have to be aware of your target and what might be beyond your target," Sgt. Steve Noblitt with the Colorado Springs Police Department said. "And where that bullet will travel."
Critics said under the bill it would be difficult to weed out people with felonies, domestic violence, and substance addictions.
According to the Denver Post, more than 1,200 people applied for permits in 2010 and were denied. Ron Metherell, who has a concealed gun permit and has his handgun holstered to his belt almost every day, thinks there's value to the permit.
"As far as being able to provide proof that people carrying have had training, as far as safety," Metherell said.
By getting rid of the permit you'd also do away with the concealed-carry permit cost of about $150.
The bill is now headed to the Senate.
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