The state Senate today passed legislation that would further
prevent the press and the public from using the Freedom Of Information Act to access
state records related to gun ownership.
prevent the press and the public from using the Freedom Of Information Act to access
state records related to gun ownership.
The effort to make firearms records confidential is
included in a three-bill package that would make the documentation available
only to law enforcement officials, and only under certain conditions.
included in a three-bill package that would make the documentation available
only to law enforcement officials, and only under certain conditions.
Here is a portion of a joint press release issued by
three Republican senators:
three Republican senators:
“I introduced
Senate Bill 49 last year as there was a real need for protection for the
privacy of gun owners,” said Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba. “This bill ensures
that no personal information can be released in Michigan. Disclosing such
information is not only a threat to public safety and an invasion of privacy,
but it serves no legitimate public service.”
Senate Bill 49 last year as there was a real need for protection for the
privacy of gun owners,” said Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba. “This bill ensures
that no personal information can be released in Michigan. Disclosing such
information is not only a threat to public safety and an invasion of privacy,
but it serves no legitimate public service.”
The legislation is
a response to the actions of a New York newspaper that last year published the
names and personal addresses of gun permit holders in two counties north of New
York City.
a response to the actions of a New York newspaper that last year published the
names and personal addresses of gun permit holders in two counties north of New
York City.
“Gun ownership
information is private and must stay that way,” said Pavlov, R-St. Clair
Township, sponsor of SB 834. “Newspapers elsewhere have published the names of
private gun owners. These bills will prevent that from happening here in
Michigan.”
information is private and must stay that way,” said Pavlov, R-St. Clair
Township, sponsor of SB 834. “Newspapers elsewhere have published the names of
private gun owners. These bills will prevent that from happening here in
Michigan.”
Sen. Goeff Hansen,
sponsor of SB 881, said the bills are about safeguarding the rights of Michigan
residents.
sponsor of SB 881, said the bills are about safeguarding the rights of Michigan
residents.
“The Second
Amendment is integral to our freedom and must be protected,” said Hansen,
R-Hart. “This legislation strengthens Michigan law to ensure that all gun
owners’ personal information is not jeopardized by those looking to infringe on
our basic rights.”
Amendment is integral to our freedom and must be protected,” said Hansen,
R-Hart. “This legislation strengthens Michigan law to ensure that all gun
owners’ personal information is not jeopardized by those looking to infringe on
our basic rights.”
The legislation
would ensure that firearms records could only be accessed or disclosed by a
peace officer or other authorized individual for the following reasons:
would ensure that firearms records could only be accessed or disclosed by a
peace officer or other authorized individual for the following reasons:
* The
individual whose firearm records are the subject of disclosure has committed an
offense with the pistol that violates a state law, a law of another state or a
U.S. law;
individual whose firearm records are the subject of disclosure has committed an
offense with the pistol that violates a state law, a law of another state or a
U.S. law;
* The
individual poses a threat to himself or herself or other individuals;
individual poses a threat to himself or herself or other individuals;
* The
individual’s firearm was used during the commission of an offense that violates
a state law, a law of another state or a U.S. law; or
individual’s firearm was used during the commission of an offense that violates
a state law, a law of another state or a U.S. law; or
* To
ensure the safety of a peace officer.
ensure the safety of a peace officer.
A violation of the
law would result in a civil infraction and possibly a $500 civil fine.
law would result in a civil infraction and possibly a $500 civil fine.
Dakota Moore, a
state liaison with the National Rifle Association, thanked the sponsors of the
bills.
state liaison with the National Rifle Association, thanked the sponsors of the
bills.
“The NRA and its
membership applaud the efforts of Senators Casperson, Hansen and Pavlov to
ensure that law-abiding gun owners are protected from unwarranted scrutiny and
discrimination merely for exercising their fundamental and constitutional right
to keep and bear arms,” Moore said.
membership applaud the efforts of Senators Casperson, Hansen and Pavlov to
ensure that law-abiding gun owners are protected from unwarranted scrutiny and
discrimination merely for exercising their fundamental and constitutional right
to keep and bear arms,” Moore said.
SBs 49, 834 and 881
have been sent to the Michigan House for further consideration.
have been sent to the Michigan House for further consideration.
