Good news out of Colorado.

Via Guns.com:

A measure that would enable Coloradans to lawfully carry concealed handguns without a permit was approved by a state Senate committee this week.

The proposal, SB 97, passed on a partisan 3-2 vote of the Republican-controlled Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Wednesday. Its sponsor, state Sen. Tim Neville, R-Littleton, argues open carry without a permit is already legal in most of the state outside of Denver, and is concerned that those who choose to carry concealed have to pay the government what amounts to a tax to do so.

“The idea behind constitutional carry is that you should be able to carry a concealed handgun without applying for government permission or paying an expensive fee, if you are otherwise legally able to carry a firearm,” said Neville in a statement.

The bill codifies the right for those who can legally possess a handgun in the state to carry one without first obtaining a permit to exercise that right. Permits, which can cost over $100 plus are subject to extra fees from local agencies, are good for five years. Currently, the only exceptions allowed under the law to carry a concealed revolver or pistol without a permit are for those hunting, are on property under their control, or are inside a private automobile.