Michigan moves to end gun-free zones

The state legislature has passed this law and now it is up to the governor to sign it.  The long additional training requirements required to let people guns in these places as well as the ability of schools to still ban the carrying of guns mean that many places will still not be protected.  Still, it is a movement in the right direction.

LANSING, Mich. (Detroit Free Press) -- Changes to the concealed weapons law passed the state House Thursday evening, allowing highly trained gun owners to carry their weapons in formerly verboten places, like schools, day care centers, stadiums and churches.   

Schools, however, and privately owned facilities could opt out of the new law if they don't want people carrying guns in their buildings.   

The gun bill also requires the Michigan State Police, rather than local law enforcement, to maintain gun permitting records. Police said it was crucial to have at least one agency hold on to records, citing the I-96 shooter case last month, which was solved in part, by going back through gun records.   

State Rep. Joel Johnson, R-Clare, called the bill a "pro-public safety bill because it allowed gun owners to be an "asset" to public safety in volatile situations.   

But opponents, including state Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing, said the bill went too far. . . .