© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan House Dems pursue tighter restrictions on gun ownership

Joshuasheam
/
wikimedia commons

A trio of Democratic lawmakers says the state needs to revamp its gun laws. 
 
A law proposed by Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, would expand gun-free zones to include libraries and disallow open carrying of firearms in public buildings.

Another measure introduced by Rep. Vicki Barnett, D-Farmington Hills, would strengthen mental health services by requiring parity with other medical services.
And a bill introduced by Rep. Jim Townsend, D-Royal Oak, would require universal background checks for all gun purchases, not just handguns.

"This is a test of whether the folks in charge in Lansing are going to listen to the people or listen to the gun lobby," Townsend says. Townsend says a recent poll found 86 percent of people in Michigan want universal background checks.

The proposals would also ban people convicted of domestic violence from owning a gun.