Saturday, May 10, 2008

Gun Rights Again

Proposal allowing concealed weapons in national parks raises concerns

Americans are being asked whether concealed weapons should be allowed in national parks and national wildlife refuges.

A new rule updating federal firearm regulations was posted April 30 to the Federal Register. It allows visitors to carry concealed handguns into both as long as the state where the land is located allows the weapons in its own parks or wildlife areas.

In Michigan, where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed in state parks, forests and game areas, the rule would overturn a 25-year-old prohibition at four national parks/lakeshores: Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Keweenaw National Historical Park.

House OKs concealed weapons plan

The state House has passed a plan from Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, to change restrictions for obtaining a concealed weapons permit in Michigan.

Currently, an applicant must have been a resident of Michigan for six months, which is troublesome for active-duty military, Mayes said in a news release.

His plan would clarify the definition of a qualified applicant to include military personnel that would not otherwise be prohibited from obtaining a license.

The Michigan State Police, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Rifle Association support the legislation, Mayes said.

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