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Michigan Lawmakers Move To Loosen BB, Air Gun Restrictions

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan lawmakers are sending Gov. Rick Snyder legislation that would loosen restrictions on air and BB guns.

The Senate gave final approval to legislation Wednesday repealing restrictions against children under age 18 from using a BB gun without being accompanied by an adult.

The House later in the day is expected to finalize legislation limiting local governments' ability to set their own rules over the guns.

The bills are backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA). It says Michigan is one of just four states to classify most pellet and air guns as firearms, which the gun rights group says is an "unduly burdensome restraint."

Supporters say Michigan law should be aligned with the federal definition, while opponents worry about unintended consequences such as more shootings by police who mistake toy guns for real ones — citing a police shooting last year of a 12-year-old boy carrying a pellet gun in Cleveland.

Snyder vetoed similar bills in December because the entire package didn't reach his desk at once.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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