ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The prospect of legalizing silencers and removing disclosure to bring a firearm onto state Capitol grounds is heating up gun debate in Minnesota again.

Gun rights advocates and gun control backers packed into a hearing room to testify on measures to expand firearm laws. The House Public Safety committee passed a bill that would automatically allow permit owners to carry a gun into state buildings. Owners currently have to notify state officials beforehand.

A vote on the silencer bill was expected later Thursday. Lawmakers also planned to discuss a proposal to ease buying guns in other states.

Opponents worry legalized silencers would aid criminals and hinder police shot tracker technology. But supporters call them suppressors and say they help reduce harmful noise for hunting and range shooting.