LANSING, MI - Gun owners with concealed weapon permits could get additional training that would allow them to carry their concealed firearms in schools and at sporting events on school property under legislation approved Wednesday by a Michigan House committee.

The bill, OK'd 7-2 by majority Republicans along party lines, is awaiting potential final votes before lawmakers conclude their lame-duck session.

Michigan now prohibits people licensed for concealed weapons from carrying them in schools, day care centers, sports arenas, bars, places of worship, hospitals, dorms and casinos. They can, however, openly carry their guns in schools and all other places except federal buildings, courthouses and casinos.

The bill would let CPL holders apply for an exemption so they could carry concealed guns in those gun-free zones, though they no longer could openly carry there under the legislation. They would have to get at least eight more hours of training and fire 94 additional rounds at a firing range.

However, private property owners - churches, bars, hospitals and others - would be allowed to prohibit guns from being carried on their premises. Because of their autonomy under the state constitution, public universities also could ban guns.

Public schools - currently gun-free unless someone openly carries a weapon - would have to allow concealed weapons under the bill.

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.

Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville and the bill sponsor, suggested private property owners could post signs letting visitors know they cannot carry guns there.

But Paul Stankewitz with the Michigan Catholic Conference said it would be "unseemly" for a place of worship to have to put up signs, when under current law they automatically are free of CPL holders.

"It's inappropriate to carry any weapon, whether concealed or open, in a church," he said. "They are seen as places of peace and safety for all people."

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

Green said he understands that many people unfamiliar with concealed weapon permits could be nervous or uncomfortable with letting CPL holders carry in more places.

"If they only knew what training they have to go through and what type of people they are," he said. "My issue is there's a whole bunch of people out there carrying illegally, and they don't seem to be concerned about those. The only ones they're concerned about is the good, honest, law-abiding citizens who carry to protect themselves."

Don Wotruba with the Michigan Association of School Boards questioned letting CPL holders carry into schools.

"Why take the chance?" he said.

Wotruba said he does not mistrust properly licensed gun carriers but has concerns about unintended consequences - more potential for altercations at football games or students finding teachers' guns in locked places.

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