Arizona could ease gun rules for libraries, school grounds

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona House has given initial approval to Republican-backed bills loosening the state’s gun laws.

A bill approved on Thursday allows guns in libraries and many other public buildings and another allows loaded firearms in vehicles on schools grounds.

Arizona has some of the least restrictive U.S. gun laws but GOP lawmakers work each year to ease remaining restrictions.

GOP Rep. John Kavanagh's bill would allow concealed permit holders to carry guns into most public buildings and has repeatedly failed in recent years.

Rep. Jacqueline Parker's proposal for guns on school grounds did not make it out of the Senate last year.

Democrats oppose both measures.