Bill Introduced to Senate Would Allow Gun Owners to Carry a Concealed Weapon into Schools & Other Gun-Free Zones
OutdoorHub Reporters 09.25.17
The right to bear arms debate is gearing back up in the Michigan Legislature.
According to the Detroit Free Press, a trio of bills were introduced last week to help clear up current legislation that prohibits people from carrying concealed weapons in gun-free zones such as schools and bars, but also allows them to open carry in those same places.
The bills would give people an option to get extensive training, and obtain a separate permit in order to carry a concealed weapon in gun-free zones. The bill includes language that would block schools, community colleges and other public bodies from implementing their own rules to ban guns. However, students will not be included in those ordinances, and will still NOT be allowed to bring guns to school, regardless of any permit or training they might have obtained.
Michigan has had several wrestling matches with gun laws in the past. Back in 2012, similar legislation was introduced following the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but was vetoed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
The veto opened a gigantic door to a loophole, which caused chaos in some schools, when gun enthusiasts took it upon themselves and entered a school openly carrying their firearms sending schools into lock-down mode.
Here is a screenshot of the bill, (SB 584-585) which you can read in entirety right here:
Other bills introduced last week that we thought were important to you:
HB 4992: Establish the start of deer hunting season as the Saturday that’s closest to Nov. 15. Sponsor: Rep. Gary Howell, R-North Branch.
HB 4970: Eliminate the requirement for a concealed weapons permit for military personnel. Sponsor: Rep. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton.
HB 4997: Eliminate the helmet requirement for people 18 years or older who are operating off-road vehicles. Sponsor: Rep. Jeffery Noble, R-Plymouth.
