LANSING – People could legally carry concealed guns inside schools, churches and other pistol-free zones under hotly contested legislation advancing in Michigan.

The Republican-controlled Senate approved the bills Wednesday. Michigan prohibits concealed pistol license holders from carrying in nine types of buildings.

The legislation would let privately owned entities keep their premises gun-free. But it would legalize the right to carry in public buildings if gun owners receive extra training.

Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, isn't weighing in publicly on the legislation. But in 2012, he vetoed a similar bill.