The state Senate has adopted bills that would allow concealed pistols in schools, churches, and other places where they are currently banned. The bills also forbid the open carrying of firearms in those places.
State Sen. Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-Olive Twp., says he thinks people are actually less safe in an area where concealed guns are not allowed.
“It’s a target-rich environment for people that don’t abide by the law, and people should have the ability to protect themselves, wherever they are,” he said.
Republicans voted down Democrats’ amendments to forbid people convicted of domestic violence or on the federal “no-fly” list from getting a concealed pistol license.
State Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, sponsored one of the amendments.
“If our goal is to stop bad guys with guns, she said, "we should ensure convicted criminals do not have a legal avenue to carry and conceal in the first place – right?”
Under the legislation, CPL holders who get an additional eight hours of training, along with CPL instructors, could be exempt from the gun-free zone restriction.
The bills now go to the state House.
