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November 25, 2009

Forum: Goal is safe colleges

by Wayne A. Schmidt

Once again my opponents and this newspaper have misrepresented my hard work in Lansing on creating good public policy. That is why I am concerned about the misconceptions out there about House Bill 5474. I hope this helps to clear up the confusion as to what this bill would do and why I am proposing it.

First, House Bill 5474 has bipartisan co-sponsorship. Second, HB 5474 does not change the ban against having firearms in classrooms, dormitories, stadiums, theaters, arenas, bars and hospitals as prescribed by state law. Those areas are not affected by the bill and would remain gun-free zones.

The goal of this bill is to keep our higher education institutions safe learning environments, while not making criminals out of those who are law-abiding citizens. This issue was brought to me by the Michigan State Police to clarify the transportation of firearms, and HB 5474 was part of a package of bipartisan bills. The State Police saw a discrepancy for people driving through a higher education campus even though they were obeying regulations to properly secure a firearm in a vehicle.

For example, if a concealed pistol license holder were driving on a public road that passed through a university or college, he or she would be in violation of certain ordinances at several (but not all) universities and colleges in the state. However, this legally licensed owner would not be in violation of any Michigan firearms laws. It is important to note that many colleges and universities already have regulations mirroring the state law, and would not be affected by this bill.

Finally, another misconception is that this bill would allow anyone to carry a firearm. I would point out that concealed pistol license (CPL) holders are required to be at least 21 years of age, have passed a training program taught by a certified instructor, have passed a background check, have been fingerprinted and have gone before a gun board for approval. This bill would do nothing to change the fact that only those who are law-abiding, licensed holders are able to be in possession of firearms in legal carry areas.

I hope this clears up some of the confusion about House Bill 5474. To read and review the bill, feel free to visit www.legislature.mi.gov and type in 5474 in the "Bill Number" search. You are also always welcome to call my office toll free at (800) 737-1046.

About the author: Wayne A. Schmidt, R-Traverse City, is State Representative for House District 104.

About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.

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