Eight Michigan mayors are urging the state Legislature to reject a measure that would make it easier for people to buy handguns.
The coalition of mayors sent a letter this week to Senate and House leadership and to Governor Rick Snyder. It says a package of bills making its way through the Legislature would add to the difficulties of police trying to protect communities.
The group includes the mayors of Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, and Dearborn.
The legislation would no longer require a person to license a handgun before buying or carrying it. It would also get rid of a registry keeping track of the criminal backgrounds of handgun owners.
Critics of the proposal say there should be background checks on people who buy firearms at gun shows, over the internet, or from private individuals. They say these account for nearly half of all guns purchased in the state.
The House passed the bills in June. It’s not clear whether the Senate will take it up this year.
