A Utah legislative panel has approved a proposal that would allow firearm owners to carry guns in their vehicles.

The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee voted 12-2 on Nov. 9, to advance an effort that would allow any person who can lawfully own a weapon to be able to conceal it loaded in a vehicle.

Utah law now allows for a firearm in a vehicle, but only if it is unloaded and either out in the open or securely contained in a place other than a center console or a glove box, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Concealed-weapons permit holders are exempt from the restrictions.

The effort’s sponsor, Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, said 24 states allow people to drive with a loaded gun. Eleven states have no restrictions on loaded firearms, and 13 states have some limits.

He told The Tribune studies in states that allow people to drive with a loaded weapon have shown no discernible increase in crime, road-rage incidents or accidents with firearms.

The Department of Public Safety has yet to take a position on the effort, the Salt Lake Deseret Morning News reported.

The bill now heads to the full Legislature for further consideration when the regular session begins in January.