MONTGOMERY, Alabama --- State Sen. Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa said today he would introduce a bill to allow people to carry loaded handguns in their vehicles without a pistol permit.

Current law requires handguns to be unloaded and locked away unless the owner has a concealed carry permit.

A bill to drop that requirement passed the Senate last year and died in the House of Representatives. It had opposition from law enforcement, including the Alabama Sheriffs Association.

Bobby Timmons, executive director of the association, said he would oppose this year's bill, too. He said it would lead to more road rage incidents.

Timmons said the background check that's required with a pistol permit is an important safeguard.

"Without a background check, you might as well let them carry dynamite and nitroglycerin," Timmons said.

Allen, a Republican, said people should be able to protect themselves with handguns in a vehicle just as they can in their homes.

"It's a fundamental right to protect yourself and your property," Allen said in a news release.

This story was updated at 2:56 p.m. to add comment from Bobby Timmons.