The Arkansas Senate is voting on legislation that would allow concealed handguns in churches.

It's the first of several gun-related measures expected in this year's session.

While concealed weapons are currently banned from churches, Beech Street Baptist Church Pastor Craig Jenkins says security is a major issue.

He believes the bill is a reaction to what churches are already doing for security.

Beech Street Baptist has a highly trained security team commissioned by the state.

Trinity Baptist Church Pastor Bill Saxby agrees with the proposed legislation.

He also uses security at all of their church services and events.

If the legislation passes, churches would be remove from the list of places where concealed weapons are prohibited.

The proposal would leave it up to churches and other places of worship to determine whether to allow concealed handguns and who can carry them.

While some pastors believe the proposal would invite danger into church, pastor Jenkins says their goal is simply to make everyone feel safe.

"I think in the big picture, it's a good thing to have potentially a good guy their with a weapon in case a bad guy shows up with one," said pastor Jenkins.

Similar measure by Republican Senator Bryan King was approved by the house two years ago, but failed before a senate committee.

Governor Mike Beebe has indicated he'll likely sign the measure if it reaches his desk.