LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A House committee has rejected a measure that would have allowed people 21 and older to openly carry handguns in holsters.
The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday rejected the proposal by Rep. Mark Martin of Prairie Grove. Martin argued that dozens of states permit the open carry of weapons, and that lawmakers should trust gun owners to use and display the firearms responsibly.
But members questioned why Martin's bill didn't include a required license or coursework, like the state's concealed-carry license does.
The bill failed on a voice vote.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
