Michigan legislature passes new law allowing guns at schools

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://articles.petoskeynews.com/2012-12-14/gun-free-zones_35829851

Bill allowing concealed guns in Michigan schools, churches heads to governor

December 14, 2012|Brandon Hubbard (231) 439-9374 - bhubbard@petoskeynews.com | Staff Writer

Carrying concealed weapons into schools, churches and stadiums is against the law in Michigan, but it might not be for much longer.

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate approved Senate Bill 59 to allow concealed weapons in several gun-free zones Thursday, as well as doing away with county boards currently overseeing concealed pistol licensing.

"If you have pistol free zones they are actually mass murderer empowerment zones," said Steve Dulan, attorney for the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners, who represents sportsman clubs throughout Michigan backing the bill. "If you actually look at the history, even over the past 10 years in the U.S., you find that maybe all but one mass shooting has occurred in a so-called gun free zone."

Michigan law currently prohibits concealed weapons in schools, churches, day cares, hospitals, dorms, casinos and any public entertainment venue able to hold more than 2,500 people. Violators can be charged a civil infraction with a $500 fine and six-month concealed pistol license suspension. Repeat offenses can lead to a four-year felony, $5,000 fine and concealed pistol license being revoked.

Under the new law schools and private establishments would be able to voluntarily remain pistol-free zones, if desired.

Dulan says creating gun-free zones disarms private citizens to any criminals who don't obey the laws in the first place.

"There is a complete logical fallacy that there are no guns in a gun free zone," Dulan said. "It's as ridiculous as the drug-free school zone signs. No one believes those either ... What you are doing in this case is disarming law biding people."

Michigan has 351,599 concealed weapons permits issued statewide, according to a state report dated Dec. 1. Those certified carriers would need an additional nine hours training and 94 additional rounds at the firing range to qualify to concealed carry in gun-free zones, the bill states.

Language in the concealed carry reform bill would eliminate county review boards made up of representatives from the Michigan State Police, county prosecutor's office and county sheriff's department, likely streamlining the process.

The Michigan Sheriff's Association has been one of the largest opponents of the bill. Northern Michigan sheriffs see the bill as a burden.

"It would make the sheriff the sole person on the board, and if I decide in my conscience a person should not have a (concealed carry permit) for what ever reason, then that person has the ability to appeal that in circuit court to the point where I could be fined for not giving a (permit)," said Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider, who opposes the bill. "In no way do I want that dumped on us. It is just not right. You are going to cause every sheriff to say: 'You want a CCW? Fine, because I'm not going to get sued.'"

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin also has issues with doing away with Concealed Weapons Licensing Boards and has contacted local lawmakers to voice his concerns.

"I just say if it's not broke, why try to fix it?" Wallin said. "It is nice to have other input on it. I don't want the sole responsibility, and I think it works just fine."

Wallin believes the boards going away would create a significant amount of new work for his office.

The bill moved early Thursday from the House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee chaired by state Rep. Frank Foster, R-Petoskey, before coming to the full floor for a vote.

"This changes the (concealed pistol license) permit process to remove layers of unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape, and since it is assigning new responsibilities, I wanted to make sure our discussion included all the stakeholders so they were on board," Foster said in a statement. "As committee chairman, I think we conducted a very transparent and thorough legislative process and took input from all ranges of opinions."

Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville , primary sponsor for SB 59, commended Foster for his role in getting the legislation passed.

"Rep. Foster's courage and leadership on behalf of Michigan's law-abiding gun owners was key to advancing SB 59, the most fundamental CPL reform in Michigan history," Green said.

Heading into a final marathon lame duck session Thursday night, the House passed the bill 68-41 and the Senate concurred 27-11, mostly along party lines.

Detractors have amassed against expanding concealed weapons into gun-free zones throughout the legislative process.

Pastor Sherri McGuffin at Cross of Christ Lutheran in Petoskey says if SB 59 is made law, she believes it could cause an "uncomfortable" situation for her members.

"I don't have anything against guns, we use them for hunting and for sport, but when they are used for maliciousness, to wield power or an emotion, we have a problem," McGuffin said.

Because people often seek out churches in times of emotional distress and need, she said, those are often times when people should not have a firearm.

"We practice no hitting, no yelling. It's a place of sanctuary," McGuffin said about her church.

McGuffin said in churches and other places where weapons have been used or brandished "that's no longer a sanctuary."

That sentiment has been echoed across the state. More than 600 churches have signed onto a resolution authored at the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church calling for the bill to fail.

School officials have also responded in opposition.

"I'm opposed to it because it doesn't settle with me that we would have people in schools with concealed guns," John Scholten, Petoskey Public Schools superintendent.

The Michigan Association of School Administrators opposes the legislation over safety concerns.

"We expel our students for having any type of weapon, and can find no good reason to open school property to others who bring weapons on campus," said Linda Wacyk, spokesperson for the MASA. "We prohibit weapons to keep our students and staff members safe; that prohibition should extend to adults who visit as well."

Don Wotruba, deputy director for the Michigan Association of School Boards, testified against legislation regarding concerns he has about potential accidents relating to more weapons being in schools.

"More guns in the proximity of kids is not about bad use, it's about potential accidents," he says.

"I don't have any issue with a person that is properly trained or that they are going to break the law," Wotruba said. "I worry about somebody breaking up a fight and there is a gun on somebody's waist being taken by a kid. I worry about a teacher putting a gun in their purse -- which is legal -- and puts in a locked desk drawer then goes to lunch, but a student somehow gets it. Those are what concern me ...

"It's a potential risk without a real reason as to why we should free this up," he said.

The bill now heads to Gov. Rick Snyder to veto or sign it into law.

Edited December 16, 2012 by Bad_Daddy

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/connecticut_has_similar_law_to.html

Connecticut gun law also allows concealed weapons at schools, but falls short of Michigan's legislation

By John Barnes | jbarnes1@mlive.com

on December 14, 2012 at 4:11 PM, updated

Connecticut gun laws also allow permit holders to have handguns in schools, but fall short of the measures Michigan lawmakers just approved.

School officials there must also give the gun owner permission, which is unlikely to be widely granted and provide the deterrent effect of Michigan's legislation, supporters of the law say.

Reports say Adam Lanza, 20, entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and killed 26 people, including 20 children. Lanza was also found dead, apparently of a self-inflicted gunshot.

Backers of laws allowing concealed handguns in schools, colleges and other places where they are banned say they could deter or limit mass shootings, especially where only the gunman is armed.

Connecticut law allows guns at public or private schools if the person has a firearm carrying permit and obtains school permission. Permit holders must be at least 21 and pass a criminal background test.

Michigan lawmakers late Thursday and today passed sweeping reforms to Michigan’s concealed weapons law. Concealed handguns are now forbidden in schools, churches, hospitals, and other places designated as "gun-free zones." They would be allowed beginning May 1 if the legislation is signed by the governor.

Critics were quick to note parallels to the timing of the tragedy and Michigan's reforms.

“It’s time to rethink that decision, and have a long overdue and honest dialogue about gun control in Michigan. We are urging Governor Snyder to veto this legislation.” said Jessica Tramontana, spokeswoman for Progress Michigan, in a statement.

MEA President Steve Cook also called for Snyder to veto the legislation.

“Those who think that students and teachers will be safer with more guns in our schools are just plain wrong. Thinking that teachers should carry weapons and fire on threats is a recipe for even more death -- not safety,” Cook said in a statement.

“To sign this bill in light of this tragedy would be unfathomable."

House members approved the legislation, 68-41. The Senate, which had passed a version earlier, concurred on minor changes in a marathon lame-duck session.

“While I believe I understand why people are trying to connect the Connecticut shooting to last night's passage of SB 59, the reality is that our new laws may actually have proven to be beneficial in such a circumstance,” said Ari Adler, spokesman for House Speaker Jase Bolger.

“Michigan will have the most highly trained concealed carry licensees in the nation. … Having well-trained individuals with the freedom to carry a concealed pistol is a public safety asset that may very well act as a deterrent against such shootings or, if an evil criminal does strike, may prove to be the difference between life and death for many innocent bystanders. ”

State Sen. Mike Green, who sponsored Michigan's legislation, chose not to react to critics in the wake of the shooting.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this senseless tragedy and with their families. As a father of five children and a grandfather to 20 grandchildren, I cannot imagine the grief and agony that those left behind are experiencing," said Green, R-Mayville.

"The loss of a child leaves behind a wound that never heals. I join with so many others in offering my prayers of comfort and support."

[lostinblue 1,989]

The problem is most teachers are gun hating liberals.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

The problem is most teachers are gun hating liberals.

Agreed.

[scotinmass 588]

Agreed.

I don't see why the teachers in Connecticut should be against guns. What's wrong with them!

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

I don't see why the teachers in Connecticut should be against guns. What's wrong with them!

Agreed.

[Karee 4,191]

Wow right to work and allowing people to defend themselves all within a month. Looks like people are finally getting tired of all the liberal B.S. there. I guess when you have a near non-existent police force in Detroit, you need to take matters into your own hands.

[scotinmass 588]

Agreed.

A bullet in the head is a nice painless way to go. They should be grateful.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Wow right to work and allowing people to defend themselves all within a month. Looks like people are finally getting tired of all the liberal B.S. there. I guess when you have a near non-existent police force in Detroit, you need to take matters into your own hands.

The Michigan governor is threatening to veto the bill. He's pro scab labor but anti gun.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

THIS will reduce school shhotings. If this passes, there will be no school shootings in Michigan

[onwa 6]

As a teacher, I can't think of a more stupid idea then to carry a gun. I had a gun put in my hand at a very young age. My dad wanted me to trap shoot with him. I am a horrible shot. I am horrible at all things that require visual spatial skills.and its not for lack of trying. I do not have time to be trained. teachers are already supposed to be subject area matter experts, English language learner experts, special needs experts, behaviour experts, customer service experts, executive secretaries, event planners, and creative lesson planners. And now I need to be an experienced marksman. Geez. One armed professional per school makes more sense than the idea that a teacher should be required to carry a gun to school.

Edited December 17, 2012 by onwa

[rade2rising 205]

this guy is using the shooting to proceed with more liberal gun laws lolzzzzz. Its quite hilarious. never thought this was possible after recent events

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

As a teacher, I can't think of a more stupid idea then to carry a gun.

Too bad a few teachers at Columbine and that Connecticut school weren't armed. It might have saved some lives.

[Dakine10 5,452]

Too bad a few teachers at Columbine and that Connecticut school weren't armed. It might have saved some lives.

Too bad more gun owners aren't responsible. If the Connecticut shooters mom was a responsible gun owner, it also might have saved some lives, including her own.

America has the most gun related crime of any of the so called developed countries. Yet only here would someone suggest the solution to gun crime is to have more guns and arm more people. You know what else prevents gun related crime? Less guns.

I appreciate the efforts of the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners. I appreciate the efforts of all responsible gun owners. Unfortunately all of these violent incidents are happening because of irresponsible gun owners.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Wrong headline. Should be: Michigan Legislature hits pinnacle of stupidity