UNDATED (WTVB) - Here’s another platform in Michigan for the pro-gun and anti-gun groups to stage their arguments. Those licensed to carry concealed weapons would be allowed to bring their hidden weapon into schools, hospitals, sports arenas and bars under legislation expected to come up in the House Judiciary Committee by the end of the year.
Representative Richard LeBlanc, the Westland democrat, has been out whipping committee members to see what type of support he'd have for the measure. The chair of the committee, Republican John Walsh of Livonia, said he's interested in seeing the results and that a hearing will take place, but stressed that "we have had a busy agenda and we're not close to a hearing at all."
LeBlanc has sponsored similar legislation all three of his terms. His argument is that under the state Constitution Michigan citizens can open carry anywhere. However, citizens who have been trained and subjected to a background check to carry concealed are not allowed in schools, day cares, large sports and entertainment venues, hospitals or dormitories with their weapons under wraps.
The conservative Democrat questions the consistency in the law. LeBlanc asks, "Would you rather have a law-abiding person carrying concealed in the same place as someone who can openly carry?" His answer is yes." Some members of the Judiciary Committee have raised concerns about erasing the school exemption, and LeBlanc said he's open to negotiation.
