A bill that would allow people to have loaded pistols in their vehicles without a concealed carry permit has come under fire from several parties, including law enforcement.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Scott Beason, was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 6-2 vote and now goes to the full Senate.

Beason, R-Gardendale, said people should be able to keep a loaded weapon in their car, just as they can their house, without paying a fee.

“I don’t believe you ought to have to pay for your 2nd Amendment rights,” Beason said in an Associated Press story.

However, the Alabama Sheriffs’ Association is against the bill out of concern for public safety, not just the loss of revenue from gun permits.

Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely, whose office accepts pistol permit applications 24 hours a day, opposes the proposal.

“In the interest of public safety, it is a bad deal,” he said. “I’m a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and believe in the right to keep and bear arms, but common sense has to prevail.”

People can keep a pistol in the car without a permit now, but it must be unloaded, locked away and out of reach. Beason said an unloaded pistol is of no use to the driver.

“You should be able to have a useable weapon,” he said.

Concealed carry permits require applicants to undergo a background check and pay a fee. It’s the lack of the background check in Beason’s proposal that raises a red flag for Blakely.

“There are a lot of people out there who concern me … regarding public safety and officers’ safety,” he said.