MI Senate rejects repeal of gun checks

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Senate has rejected a National Rifle Association-backed proposal to let people buy handguns without undergoing criminal background checks.

The Senate voted 27-11 Wednesday for a substitute bill that makes it easier for people to apply for gun permits but retains the checks.

The state House earlier approved a bill to repeal the requirement to undergo a check before buying a handgun. Federal law requires checks before buying guns from licensed dealers but not for private sales.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg co-chairs Mayors Against Illegal Guns and says the vote shows the gun lobby can't always "give marching orders to Lansing."

The NRA says the bill falls short of its goals and says it will keep working to end Michigan's background checks in the Legislature's 2013 session.