Conceal carry

A bill that aims to close a “loophole” and allow someone to carry a concealed weapon at public places passed the House Wednesday.

The House approved Senate Bill 573, by Rep. Kendon Underwood, R-Rogers, which would prevent counties and cities from displaying signs that bar conceal-carrying at government buildings.

The bill was originally voted down in the House Judiciary Committee after push back from some lawmakers who questioned whether the bill takes away local control from cities and towns, but on a later vote the bill passed.

In the House, the bill was approved on a 78-16 vote.