BOISE - One Idaho lawmaker's attempt to relax the state's concealed weapons rules for knives has cleared a Senate committee.

Legislation sponsored by Republican Rep. Pete Nielsen of Mountain Home to allow concealed 4-inch knives without a permit passed the Senate State Affairs Committee Friday.

The House has already approved the bill, which now heads to the Senate floor.

Nielsen said he decided to pursue changes in the statute after his son was cited for illegally concealing a 4-inch knife under his car seat.

Nielsen said he initially wanted to allow longer knives, but law enforcement agents suggested 4 inches would be all they could support.

The measure would also allow Idahoans to conceal legally obtained Tasers, stun guns, pepper spray and cooking knives.