Nebraska lawmakers are one step away from approving a measure to allow Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons.

Senator Jeanne Combs of Milligan, the sponsor of the bill (LB454) and a member of the National Rifle Association, moved to vote on ending second-round debate on the measure Friday, knowing she needed 33 votes to stop a filibuster of the measure. She squeaked by. The vote was 33-9.

Lawmakers then voted 31-9 to advance the bill to the last of three rounds of consideration.

Supporters have been trying to get such a measure passed since 1996.

Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha led the filibuster and promised to do the same -- even on other bills -- to try to block the measure from passage this session.

"The only thing we have to do this session is pass the budget," Chambers said. "We need to think deeply about what is being proposed here."

Thirty-eight states have some form of concealed-weapons laws, according to the NRA.

Former Senator Gene Tyson of Norfolk introduced a similar measure in 2003. It was advanced to second-round debate but never returned to the agenda -- later dying because of a rule that gives legislation a two-year shelf life to be passed.

A concealed-weapons measure was first introduced in 1996, but the 2003 vote marked the first time the bill had advanced in the Legislature since 1998. The bill that year cleared one of three rounds of debate before time ran out.

Supporters argue that being able to carry concealed weapons is a constitutional right. And they say the bill would merely put guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens who want to protect themselves against bad guys who already carry weapons.

Opponents argue that allowing concealed weapons would only lead to the potential for more violence.

Governor Dave Heineman supports the concept of legalizing the carrying of concealed weapons.

The bill would require applicants for a concealed-weapon permit to pass a background check and complete a handgun training and safety course. The permit would cost $100 and be valid for five years. Convicted felons would not be allowed to get a permit.

Concealed weapons would not be allowed in a variety of places, including bars, police stations, public meetings, athletic events, schools, churches, hospitals and banks. Signs also could be posted prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons in other locations.

It is estimated that licenses could be granted to more than 64,000 people in Nebraska.