Kansas residents could carry loaded handguns in their vehicles under a bill that cleared the House and Federal and State Affairs committee in Topeka Wednesday.

People would have permission to carry handguns in vehicles even if they do not have state concealed carry permits.

Tim Brown, Junction City Chief of Police, says this is probably one of the worst things that could happen to Junction City, concerning law enforcement efforts.

“If you have open carry, it null and voids conceal carry basically,” Brown said. “It says basically, you don’t have to be trained, you don’t have to be informed, you don’t have to know anything about the laws. All you need is to go to a gun shop buy a firearm, load it, walk out on a sidewalk and walk down the street with that rifle or handgun strapped to your side or over your shoulder without the slightest idea of how to work, handle it or what the laws are concerning it.”

The bill strips cities and counties of the power to regulate guns, and voids existing local gun ordinances throughout Kansas.

The measure is being pushed by National and State gun-rights groups. It now goes to the full Kansas House for debate, as early as next week.