NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A perennial proposal to get rid of Tennessee's requirement to obtain state-issued permit to carry handguns in public has failed in a Senate committee.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Mark Green of Clarksville failed on a 4-4 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Bills must receive a majority vote to advance.

Supporters of yearly efforts to loosen handgun carry laws in Tennessee have long argued that permit holders' background checks and training ensure that they are responsible enough to be armed in most public situations.

Concerns over getting rid of those safeguards help lead to the defeat of the bill.

Four Republicans voted for the bill, while Republican Sens. Doug Overbey and John Stevens joined two Democrats in voting against it. Republican Sen. Todd Gardenhire abstained.