LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas lawmaker is proposing legislation allowing the open carry of handguns in the state.

Republican Rep. Sue Scott of Rogers filed a bill Wednesday that would replace Arkansas' current concealed carry law with an open carry statute.

The measure would require the same permitting process as the licenses for concealed carry. Openly displaying handguns would still be prohibited at certain locations, such as government offices, some establishments where alcohol is served, and private property where the owner has expressly forbidden it.

New open carry permits would be valid for five years. Under the bill, the nearly 130,000 concealed carry permits in the state would be automatically converted to an open carry licenses.

House Speaker Davy Carter said Wednesday he's opposed to the measure but hasn't yet gauged lawmakers' support.

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