North Dakota House passes host of pro-gun measures

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The Republican-led North Dakota House has passed several pro-gun measures, including banning gun buyback programs subsidized by taxpayers.

Representatives on Tuesday also passed a measure for the fourth consecutive session that would allow trained staff members to carry concealed firearms in schools. The GOP-led Senate has killed similar legislation before.

Backers of the bill outlawing gun buybacks say they do nothing to increase public safety and only threaten gun rights.

Supporters of the guns-in-schools bill say it's intended to address the response time to a shooting event in rural schools where law enforcement may be miles away.

Grand Forks Democratic Rep.