Topeka ? The question of whether Kansas should join most other states in allowing people to carry concealed guns is alive again in the Legislature with some supporters suggesting it will become law whether Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signs it.

The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee heard Thursday from supporters and opponents of the gun bill, which backers say is nearly identical to one the Democratic governor spiked in 2004. In 1997, then-Gov. Bill Graves, a Republican, vetoed a hidden gun bill.

The arguments were familiar. Supporters said that by joining the 46 states with such laws on the books, citizens would be safer. Opponents said there’s no reason to have such a law and it takes power from local governments by superseding their right to regulate concealed weapons.

The committee took no action on the bill, although Chairman Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, said he plans to call for a vote next week.

Rep. L. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, said she hopes the bill can be presented to Sebelius in a form that she will sign, adding, “This is a bill that will become law one way or the other.”

In her veto message, Sebelius said she supported Kansans’ right to own firearms but didn’t believe a concealed-carry law would make residents safer.

“The deterrent effect of the armed citizen is well documented. Criminals fear the armed citizen and the threat of punishment for using a gun in committing a violent crime,” said sponsoring Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville. “When you look at other states, permit holders don’t commit violent crimes.”

But Kelly Johnston, of Wichita, chairman of Safe State Kansas, a coalition of groups opposed to the bill, offered a differing view.

“Proponents of this bill have failed to demonstrate that there is a pervasive and overwhelming problem with our way of life in Kansas that calls out for this kind of legislative reaction,” Johnston said. “Crime rates aren’t rampant; indeed we have enjoyed plummeting crime rates in Kansas since 1993.”

Journey said more than 2 millions Americans are licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

Under the proposal, Kansans who are 21 or older and are U.S. citizens could obtain a permit by filling out an application with their local sheriff and paying a fee of up to $150.

The attorney general’s office would issue the permits after conducting background checks to eliminate those with a felony record, a history of mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, or a physical infirmity that would prevent the safe handling of a weapon.

Once past that hurdle, the person would be required to complete an eight-hour safety and training course by a firearms instructor certified by the attorney general or the National Rifle Association.

Journey said the bill would make Kansas among the 36 “shall issue” states, meaning if a person clears all the hurdles, the state must issue the concealed gun permit. At least eight other states have “may issue” laws, giving officials latitude. Two states – Alaska and Vermont – have no prohibitions for carrying a concealed weapon.

Johnston said if lawmakers pass the bill, then they should rewrite it to make Kansas a “may issue” state so the attorney general would have some discretion to reject applications.

Ruff said she wants the bill to require Kansas driver’s licenses to carry a notation that the person has a concealed gun permit so peace officers stopping a vehicle would know the driver could be carrying weapon.

But Journey dismissed the idea saying, “I don’t see the point in it. It’s something we can look at next year.”