LANSING, MI - Gun owners with permits could possibly carry concealed guns into schools, hospitals and arenas if they get extra training under legislation approved late Thursday in the Republican-led state Legislature.

The House passed the bill on a 68-41 vote; the Senate voted 27-11 to send it to Gov. Rick Snyder. It was unclear if he would sign the legislation.

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Michigan now prohibits people licensed for concealed weapons from carrying them in a concealed way in designated gun-free zones: schools, day care centers, sports arenas, bars, places of worship, hospitals, dorms and casinos.

The bill - part of a broader effort to modernize the concealed pistol license law - would let CPL (concealed pistol license) holders with additional training carry their guns in existing "gun-free" zones, though those places could decide on their own to post signs prohibiting the guns under existing trespass laws.

As a result, private and public property owners in those zones - bar owners, churches, schools, hospitals, day care centers - and public universities could essentially opt to prohibit guns if they want to.

Individuals licensed to concealed carry could no longer openly carry a pistol in the zones unless given express written consent by the owner. People who openly carry now can go in many areas off limits to concealed-weapon carriers, which Green said is because of a loophole.

"We're not repealing the zones," said Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville, the bill's sponsor. "We're simply making Michigan law for a concealed pistol license consistent and doing so in a responsible way with more training."

"Michigan's CPL law was first implemented in 1927 and last updated in 2001. SB 59 modernizes the CPL process, improves service to taxpayers and strengthens CPL training requirements so that Michigan will have the strongest training standard in the nation."

To receive permission to carry concealed guns in areas that are now off limits, permit holders would have to get at least eight more hours of training and fire 94 additional rounds at a firing range.

Gun-rights advocates say they should be able to carry their guns in the zones to defend against people with illegal guns. Opponents including schools, churches and day care owners worry about accidents and altercations - especially at athletic events - that could turn deadly.

The bill also would eliminate county concealed weapons licensing boards and turn those duties over to sheriffs. Michigan is the only state to still use such boards, Green said. A license decision would have to be made with 45 days, a provision aimed at streamlining the permit process.

Current or retired corrections officers and military police officers also would get exemptions to carry in zones that are now off limits to concealed guns.

Email David Eggert at deggert1@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @DavidEggert00