But as the bills progress through state House and Senate chambers, they are running into new and increasingly vocal opposition from an unexpected source: Law enforcement organizations who say allowing more people to carry weapons would add to an already troubling spike in gun crimes. 

In the nearly two decades since Alaska became the first state to allow concealed weapons without a permit, 20 others have joined in to scrap their rules. This year, legislators in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Indiana and Nebraska are considering their own versions. 

"When it comes to the Second Amendment in Nebraska, it's an issue that really hits home," said state Sen. Tom Brewer, a conservative member of his state's nonpartisan legislature and the bill's chief sponsor. "You still have an obligation to have safe operation training. And I think people with any degree of responsibility or intelligence are going to understand that."

Ohio legislators have already passed a similar bill; Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has not said whether he will sign it.