WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal prosecutors argued Monday against a request by a mental hospital to allow would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley Jr. expanded visits with his family in Virginia.

Hinckley has been committed to a mental hospital since he shot and wounded President Reagan in 1981. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

A court hearing on his request started Monday. Hinckley's sister, Diane Sims, testified that Hinckley has shown no sign of a relapse in his psychosis and depression.

Hinckley seeks an increase in the length of his visits to his mother's home in Williamsburg. He also wants to do volunteer work during the visits and to get a driver's license. The mental hospital supports his request.

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