Courtesy Photo State Rep. Dave Prestin of Cedar River met with 14 students and one adult from Gladstone High School Thursday, March 16 at the State House in Lansing. Students are part of a government class, ranging in grades 9 through 12, which is interested in debate and government. They are part of “Youth in Government”, a national program of the YMCA. Prestin said the students came prepared with meaningful ideas and concerns, as well as challenging questions, leading to several constructive conversations.
LANSING — State Rep. Dave Prestin said law-abiding gun owners and hunters will face stringent demands if gun bills pass the state Senate became law in Michigan.
Michigan Democrats took their first steps by passing a sweeping package of 11 gun safety bills on Thursday, as red flag laws and requirements for safe storage and universal background checks all authorized the Senate along party lines. Senators approved much of the package in a 20-17 party line vote, sending it to the Democratic-led House where it can be discussed as early as next week. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she would sign the legislation.
Prestin, of Cedar River, voted against House Bills 4138, 4142 and 4143. The legislation requires universal background checks for all firearm transfers and establishes new licensing requirements for rifles. hunting and shotguns.
“This plan is intended to address the increase in gun violence in Michigan, but completely misses the mark,” Prestin said. “The plan creates a false sense of security for the people of Michigan and violates the rights of responsible, law-abiding gun owners across the state without doing anything to address the real problem – the rise in violent crime in Michigan.”
Prestin expressed concerns about the effect the legislation could have on hunters across the state, as long gun sales are more closely scrutinized. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported last year that the state had lost a quarter of a million hunters over the past generation.
“Hunting is part of our Michigan heritage, not just a hobby,” Prestin said. “Requiring a background check for every firearm purchase is impractical and creates unnecessary burdens for law-abiding hunters. This will deter good, honest Michiganders from hunting, or even passing on special firearms as heirlooms — a common practice among gun-owning families,” Presin said. “We must address the root cause contributing to the increase in gun violence: improving access to reliable mental health services, strengthening school safety and promoting the nuclear family instead of constantly eroding unity. American family and its inherent values that we grew up learning.”
House Democrats approved the bills with a 56-53 vote, toeing the party line.
Michigan law requires a person purchasing firearms such as rifles or shotguns to be 18 or older and at least 21 to purchase a handgun from an authorized dealer. by the federal government. Some licenses allow 18-year-olds to purchase handguns from private sellers.
Legislation passed Thursday would require anyone purchasing a rifle or shotgun to submit to a background check, which is currently only required for handgun purchases, and to register for any purchase of fire arms. It would also implement safe storage laws, which would create “penalties for storing or depositing a firearm where a minor may have access to it.”
Republicans were the most vocal in the Senate on Thursday in opposing red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders. Red flag laws are intended to temporarily remove the weapons of people with potentially violent behavior and prevent them from harming themselves or others.
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