Gun-free zones at schools, bars, sporting events, hospitals and churches would be largely obsolete if Rep. Drew Springer has his way. Springer, R-Muenster, has authored a bill — laid out Tuesday before a House committee — that he hopes eliminates most restrictions on where the state’s nearly 826,000 concealed handgun license holders can carry their weapons. He said his bill would advance the rights of “responsible, law-abiding citizens.”

Even in a gun-friendly state — and Legislature — it’s unclear what kind of support there would be for such a far-reaching bill. And the effort Tuesday received stiff opposition from hospital officials and pastors, …read more

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