Concealed Carry Voted In By Michigan Senate Panel

Proposed Bill 'Compromises' Open Carry Law

Hollowpoint

A Senate panel approved a bill that would allow concealed carry weapons in schools and other areas that currently prohibit the practice in Michigan. In Lansing, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in 4-1 on Senate Bills 442 and 561.

Both bills are packages, which “compromise legislation that would allow concealed pistol license holders to carry in schools and other areas that are now off-limits to them under state law.”

The bills also prevent “open carry” that gun rights enthusiasts take advantage of. The concern over open carry has been the disruption and legal consequences in places such as schools, universities, and public libraries.

The concealed carry bills are being forwarded to the full Senate.

Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville, is the sponsor of SB 442. He understands that many educators don’t want guns in schools, but says they must realize that under the U.S. Constitution, citizens with concealed pistol licenses have had the right to carry guns into schools as long as they aren’t hidden.

One school superintendent believes that there should be legislation that would help fund schools to hire trained personnel carrying concealed. Another school superintendent approves of the bills so that it discourages mentally ill people from targeting those who obviously don’t carry weapons.

Green says the legislation is doing schools a favor because gun-free zones leave them vulnerable attack.

Some educators also feel that the hazards of concealed carry would be in genuine mistakes, such as a CPL holder accidentally dropping a weapon or forgetting it inside a coat in a school building.

The intent of carrying concealed is to end open carry distractions, yet keep Second Amendment rights in check.

As the law stands right now, CPLs aren’t allowed to carry concealed weapons at schools unless it’s under specific circumstances in various public settings.

The open carry of firearms is now legal under state law at universities, community colleges, and public libraries.

Overall, Green’s bill basically legalizes concealed carry, but not open carry.