Topeka ? Local governments could no longer ban people from transporting unloaded firearms in a closed container under legislation approved Friday by the House.

The 107-15 vote sent the bill to the Senate.

Supporters, including Rep. L. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, said the measure would end confusion about the legality of transporting firearms created by varying local requirements.

The legislation also allows local governments to have less restrictive requirements. For instance, a county commission could allow people to carry firearms in the gun rack of a pickup truck, Ruff said.

The bill prohibits local governments from imposing greater waiting periods for purchasing firearms than required under state and federal law, which now allows for instant background checks. Nor could local governments dictate how a person stores their firearms.

“No city or county government should dictate how firearms should be stored in your own home,” Ruff said.

The legislation wouldn’t affect local requirements about carrying a concealed weapon because there’s existing state law concerning concealed guns.