TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Board of Regents panel appears ready to advance a plan governing how to allow concealed weapons on the state’s college campuses by mid-2017.

The board’s four-member governance committee was to discuss the newest draft Wednesday morning in Topeka, Kansas.

In Kansas, gun owners can carry concealed weapons without a license. And public universities in Kansas must allow concealed weapons on campus beginning in July 2017 in buildings that don’t have security measures including metal detectors.

Opponents argue that classroom dialogue could be hindered because students may worry an armed student or educator who disagrees could react violently, or that a firearm could accidentally discharge.

A regents’ spokeswoman says it’s possible the full board could sign off on the policy as early as next month.