Democrats advance gun-control bills in Pennsylvania House

FILE – An historical marker at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., is seen on Feb. 21, 2023. Authorities could temporarily seize firearms and background checks would be expanded for gun buyers, under two bills passed Monday, May 22, 2023, in the Pennsylvania House, where Democrats are using their razor-thin majority to push gun-control measures after a yearslong standstill in the politically divided government. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Authorities could temporarily seize firearms and background checks would be expanded for gun buyers, under two bills passed in the Pennsylvania House. The two measures were both approved Monday, and now go to the Republican-controlled Senate. Democrats are using their razor-thin majority in the House to back gun-control measures after a yearslong standstill in the politically divided state government. The party describes the bills as relatively moderate measures to cut down on gun trafficking, suicide deaths, accidental shootings and day-to-day violence. Republicans oppose them, saying they punish law-abiding gun owners.