Lawmakers vote to carry guns in state Capitol

PIERRE — Concealed pistol permit holders could carry firearms in the state Capitol under a proposal advanced Wednesday in the House of Representatives.

On a 46-20 vote, legislators approved House Bill 1156, which would let law enforcement officers and enhanced concealed pistol permit holders to legally possess a firearm in the Capitol building.

The state Supreme Court chambers would be excluded and anyone who wanted to carry would need to register with Capitol security 24 hours beforehand.

The bill's sponsor Rep. Lee Qualm, R-Platte, said the bill is aimed at ensuring security in the Statehouse by allowing those who've taken a handgun training and self-defense course and undergone an FBI background check to carry.

Read more: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/08/lawmakers-vote-carry-guns-state-capitol/97636946/