Interesting read about SB 59 from MLive/Michigan House Speaker
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/michigan_house_speaker_jase_bo.htmlLegislation to allow concealed handguns in schools, churches and other prohibited places will not be on a “fast track” if the state Senate forwards the measure, House Speaker Jase Bolger said.
Bolger, R-Marshall, said he does not believe a decade-old ban on hidden guns in such places makes the public any safer.
“Personally, I don’t think that pistol-free zones protect people,” said Bolger, R-Marshall, citing “horrific” examples of gunmen shooting unarmed people in such places.
Still, Bolger said allowing concealed guns in sports stadiums, bars, casinos and other places where they are now banned requires “significant” discussion in the House.
“This is a very emotional issue,” Bolger said during an interview with MLive journaiists, adding "I would not prescribe a timeline."
"I understand and respect there is significant disagreement among our residents. And I expect that if it comes over from the Senate, the House will need to have its own fact finding and really delve into the facts of these cases.”
The Senate is expected to take up a massive overhaul of the state’s concealed weapon law, after a committee passed it last week.
One of the bill’s reform’s would allow concealed permit holders with additional training to carry a hidden handgun in one of nine zones where they are now prohibited.
The others include hospitals, college classrooms and dorms, day care centers and minimum 2,500-seat entertainment facilities.
Critics of the ban say attacks in such places might be thwarted if others are armed. In a quirk of state law, they also note it is legal to openly carry a gun in such places, but not conceal the weapon.
