Nebraska's permitless concealed carry gun bill is moving forward.

(AP) ⸻ Conservative lawmakers in Nebraska are on the cusp of passing a bill to allow people to carry concealed guns without a permit, thanks to the defection of two Democratic Omaha senators who cited racial disparity in enforcing gun laws in their districts. The bill would not usurp the federal requirement for a background check, but would override stricter gun laws in the state's cities, including in Omaha, which requires a conceal carry license for anyone carrying a gun in a car. Omaha Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney broke party ranks and support the bill, citing the disproportionate impact of gun laws on people of color. Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, the bill's conservative sponsor, backed McKinney's comments, citing colonial American laws that criminalized arming Native Americans. Nebraska is one of 25 states that have so-called constitutional carry laws that allow people to carry concealed guns without a permit. The bill is opposed by the cities of Omaha and Lincoln, who have said it will make their cities less safe. To legally conceal the gun, Nebraskans are required to submit to a background check, get fingerprinted and take a gun safety course. Two other Democrats joined Wayne and McKinney in voting for the bill, including Omaha Sen. Mike McDonnell. Democratic Sen. Lynne Walz abstained from voting. Republican Gov. Jim Pillen's office did not immediately return phone and email messages.