Interior Secretary and former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has proposed new regulations that would allow people to carry a concealed weapon in some national parks and wildlife refuges.

The new rules would allow someone to carry a loaded weapon in those areas only if the person has a permit for a concealed weapon and the state where the park or refuge is located allows guns in parks. The proposal would overturn a 25-year-old regulation that requires that guns be unloaded and placed somewhere that is not easily accessible, such as in a car trunk.

The proposed rule change would incorporate current state laws authorizing the possession of concealed firearms.

Kempthorne’s announcement follows letters complaining about the gun restrictions from half the Senate – 41 Republicans and nine Democrats. The lawmakers, including Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, called the existing guidelines confusing, burdensome and unnecessary.

US Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) comments

The public has 60 days to comment on the new proposal, which was published this week in the Federal Register.