PHOENIX -- A bill to allow Arizonans without state permits to carry concealed weapons has cleared an initial hurdle at the Legislature over opposition from law enforcement officials.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-3 Friday for the bill, which also gives people with permits a right to take concealed weapons into some public facilities.

However, the committee amended it to delete a provision giving people with permits a right to take a concealed gun on school grounds while picking up or dropping off a student.

Arizona's top law enforcement officials are speaking out against the bill.

"This bill would make radical and very dangerous changes to state law," said Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard at a news conference Thursday. "It would put law enforcement officers at increased risk."

If approved, the bill would no longer require gun owners go through an eight-hour gun safety course and proficiency exam. It would also pave the way for some gun owners to carry concealed weapons into schools and public buildings.

Gun owner Tom Salerno believes the gun safety course is worthwhile and doing away with it would be a mistake.

"I just think it makes good sense," Salerno said. "Having a required safety course just makes for more responsible gun owners."

Nevertheless, Ryan Smith isn't convinced.

Smith believes gun owners have a right to protect themselves, which is why he is all in favor of the bill lawmakers are proposing to allow Arizonans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

"I think by doing away with the permit requirement it enhances the rights of gun owners," Smith said. "Gun owners are responsible as it is."

The bill is expected to come up for a vote in the full state Senate by next week.