MONTGOMERY (AP) — An Alabama lawmaker is again pushing legislation that would let employees take handguns to work.

The Montgomery Advertiser reported today that state Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said the bill is aimed at increasing personal safety.

"I think it's necessary so people will have peace of mind when they're traveling to and from work," he said.

A similar bill has been introduced twice before, but it failed despite support from the National Rifle Association.

The Business Council of Alabama opposes the measure, said President Bill Canary.

"At a time when the business community in all sectors should be focused on creating jobs, we instead are dealing with this unnecessary legislation which erodes the constitutional property rights of businesses," Canary said in a statement. "Alabama businesses are already struggling with burdensome regulations that impact productivity and increase costs."

The bill would prevent most employers from barring workers from transporting and storing firearms at work. Employees who bring weapons to work would be required to keep their guns locked up and out of sight.

Bedford said the law would not apply to school campuses, and weapons wouldn't be allowed anywhere they are already barred by federal law.

The lawmaker said he does not expect any dangers to arise in the workplace if the proposed legislation is signed into law.

"If someone's that crazy, hopefully the sheriff didn't give a pistol permit in the first place," he said.