Hearing Set on Law to Change Pistol-Free Zones

The Senate bill comes up less than two weeks after nine people were killed at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

Under current law a person with a concealed pistol license can not have a gun in a gun free zone like schools and day care centers.

Green’s proposal would allow permit holders to carry concealed weapons in those gun-free zones with an exemption from the state. Currently, concealed weapons are prohibited in these areas.

Supporters say allowing concealed carry at bars or schools would allow citizens to protect themselves in locations that are often targeted in mass shootings. Right now it is not a violation to go into a school with a gun, allthough most Michigan schools would immediately go into lockdown if you did. Mike Green, R-Mayville, and co-sponsored by a number of other Republican senators including West Michigan’s Arlan Meekhof, John Proos, Mike Kowall and Judy Emmons.

24 Hour News 8’s Leon Hendrix is at the hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.