LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michele Hoitenga on Thursday introduced legislation to allow for anyone with a valid concealed pistol license to carry while inside the Michigan Capitol.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted Aug. 16 to implement new security procedures to ban guns within the Capitol and install weapons detection systems at each building entrance. Under the commission’s rules, current legislators who possess a valid concealed pistol license are exempt from the weapons ban. Hoitenga’s Senate Bill 468 would extend that exemption to all valid concealed license holders.
“Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be forced to give up their rights when visiting their state Capitol, nor should they be treated any differently from the lawmakers who they elected to represent them in Lansing,” said Hoitenga, R-Manton. “All CPL holders receive a background check and state-licensed instruction; they should maintain their constitutionally protected right to carry in self-defense, even while inside the Capitol building. Democrats care more about pandering to their radical base than actual public safety.”
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