Michigan Moms Demand Action Respond After Lawmakers Advance Reckless Legislation That Would Force Schools to Allow Hidden, Loaded Handguns

Just Last Week, Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof Said It Was an ‘Awkward Time’ to Discuss Weakening Michigan Gun Laws in Wake of Mass Shooting in Las Vegas

Michigan Moms Demand Action Volunteers Packed Tuesday’s Hearing and Are Available for Interviews

LANSING, Michigan – Volunteers with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following response after a Michigan Senate committee voted to advance SB 584 and SB 586, dangerous bills that together would force Michigan elementary, middle and high schools to allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns on their premises. SB 584 would also allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns into college classrooms and dormitories, sports arenas, bars and other sensitive locations throughout the state. More information on the proposed legislation is available here.

The hearing came just two days after 26 people were shot and killed and at least 20 more were injured in a mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Just last week, the Detroit News quoted Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof as saying it was an “awkward time,” in the wake of the Las Vegas tragedy, to discuss pending proposals that would weaken state gun laws. “It seems like every time we get at a place where we can move some of these things, some sort of incident happens that gives people pause, so we’re gonna pause,” Meekhof said.

STATEMENT FROM EMILY DURBIN, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“This week of all weeks, our lawmakers should be talking about how to reduce gun violence, not advancing gun lobby-backed legislation that would weaken Michigan gun laws. As parents, we’re outraged that lawmakers are even considering gutting common-sense laws that protect our children and their school communities. The gun lobby may be pressuring lawmakers, but we’re paying attention, too, and we’ll do all we can to make sure the legislature rejects these reckless proposals.”