UPDATE 2/24/16

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A proposal to let people 21 years old and up carry hidden guns without permits or training is headed back to Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

Senators passed the bill Wednesday by a 24-9 margin. It includes the House's $50 gun training tax credit, which could cost $3 million.

It's legal in West Virginia to carry a gun openly without a permit, like in a holster.

The bill would let people conceal guns in public without permits; for instance, by wearing a coat. People ages 18 through 20 would need a permit and training with live firing.

Tomblin vetoed a similar bill last year over law enforcement's safety concerns.

Only a handful of states don't require concealed carry permits.

The bill would increase penalties for felonies committed with a gun.

UPDATE 2/22/16

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The Republican-led West Virginia Senate has approved a proposal to let people 21 years old and up carry concealed guns without permits or training.

Senators passed the bill Monday by a 24-9 margin. It requires at least one additional House vote.

Currently, it's legal in West Virginia to carry a gun openly without a permit, like in a holster.

The bill would let people cover up guns in public without a permit; for instance, by wearing a coat. People ages 18 through 20 would need a permit and training with live firing.

Only a handful of states don't require concealed carry permits.

The bill would increase penalties for felonies committed with a gun.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin vetoed a similar bill last year over safety concerns from law enforcement.

ORIGINAL STORY 2/8/16

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The Republican-led West Virginia House of Delegates has approved a bill that would lift permit requirements to carry a covered-up gun.

Delegates passed the concealed carry legislation Monday by a 68-31 margin. It heads to the Senate.

Currently, it's legal in West Virginia to carry a gun openly without a permit, like in a holster.

The bill would let people cover up guns in public without a permit; for instance, by wearing a coat. Under the proposal, people ages 18 through 20 would still need a permit and training with live firing.

Only a handful of states don't require concealed carry permits.

The bill would increase penalties for felonies committed with a gun.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin vetoed a similar bill last year over safety concerns from law enforcement.