TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is close to allowing residents 21 or older to carry concealed firearms without a state permit.

The state House was debating a bill Wednesday to end the permit requirement. The Senate approved the measure last month, and House members so far have made only one technical change in committee.

Supporters contend gun owners are responsible and shouldn’t have to ask the government’s permission to carry concealed.

A permit costs $132.50, and a person seeking one must undergo eight hours of firearms training. The bill’s opponents say the state still should require some training to carry concealed.

But the Republican-dominated Legislature has strong gun-rights majorities in both chambers.

The House also was considering a bill to prevent cities and counties from levying special fees or taxes on gun sales.