Michigan gun owners with a concealed pistol license could carry weapons in Michigan schools and other designated gun-free zones under legislation sponsored by state Republican leadership.

The legislation would let concealed pistol license holders with extended training carry in areas that are currently off limits for concealed weapons. The three-bill package, SB 584-586, is being considered in the Senate Government Operations Committee Tuesday.

The bills are sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair, and Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake.

Currently, concealed pistol license holders can openly carry, but not concealed carry, in gun-free zones due to a legal loophole in Michigan law.

Gun control advocates are expected to oppose the legislation.

It's not the first time Republicans in the Michigan Legislature have tried to expand areas where gun owners could carry concealed weapons.

In December 2012, Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed similar legislation in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Ct.