DENVER (AP) -- Gun control and violence is up for its first debate of the year in the Colorado Legislature.

A Senate committee was scheduled Monday to consider the first gun-related bill of the legislative term. The bill would allow schools to allow employees to carry concealed weapons. Under current law, an individual with a valid permit may not carry a concealed handgun at any public K-12 school.

The bill is a Republican proposal aimed at making schools safer. But it faces long odds in a Democratic committee, as ruling Democrats mull expanded background checks and new gun limits.

Another Republican bill up for a hearing this week would require private businesses to have armed security if they don't permit customers to carry concealed weapons.