ST. PAUL — A committee in the Republican-controlled Legislature has voted to repeal a state law requiring gun permits.

A House public safety panel voted to undo the requirement that gun buyers get a state permit before purchasing a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon from a federally licensed dealer. The vote was 10-7.

Supporters say the state requirement duplicates federal law.

Rep. Steve Drazkowski said Minnesota is one of only 12 states to require state gun permits and that his bill would lift an unnecessary mandate on local governments.

Objections came from Democrats, gun control advocates and police groups. Democratic Rep. Joe Mullery of Minneapolis says the bill would result in an incredible change.

The bill now heads to another committee.