NEWS Bill lets judges carry weapons in gun-free zones

[lukem]

Legislation introduced in the state Senate earlier this year to expand exemptions to current concealed weapon laws by allowing judges to carry concealed weapons in "gun-free zones" is moving in Lansing.

Senate Bill (SB) 505, sponsored by Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw), was recently reported to the full Senate floor after spending a few months before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The bill has a House companion in House Bill (HB) 4744, which is still stalled in committee. Both bills allow retired and current state judges who have carry concealed weapon (CCW) permits to possess a gun in gun-free zones, such as schools, day care facilities, sports stadiums and arenas, bars, restaurants, places of worship, college dorms, classrooms, hospitals, casinos, entertainment facilities that hold more than 2,500 people, and courts.

"Generally, I don't know if that's something I would support," said Sen. Deb Cherry (D-Waterford).

Only police officers in good standing — retired or active — security personnel working in a gun-free zone, private investigators registered with the state, detectives, corrections officers, parole officers, reserve officers, and Capitol security officers can carry a gun in these areas.

The bills would amend Public Act (PA) 372 passed in 1927, which was previously amended in 2002 by PA 719 to include the current concealed weapon permitting provisions.

"Well, certainly, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and I really believe that anyone who has had a thorough, really rigorous background check and investigation should be able to carry anywhere," said Sen. Nancy Cassis (R-Commerce, Milford, Highland, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Wixom, Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake). "That's my belief in the Second Amendment. So, I would be supportive of Senate Bill 505."

Also in the House, other legislative revisions have been introduced by state Rep. Daniel Acciavetti (R-New Baltimore), whose name is attached to HB 4744. HBs 4758, 4759, and 4760 seek to repeal or revise the current CCW laws on the whole.
Source: Spincal Column Online