Two new Michigan House bills introduced Tuesday by Democratic State Representatives Kristian Grant from Grand Rapids and Phil Skaggs from East Grand Rapids would prohibit the open carry of assault weapons within 1,000 feet of government buildings. That includes buildings at the federal, state, and local levels.
Representatives Grant and Skaggs say House Bills 4205 and 4206 are designed to achieve two objectives. First, decreasing threats to elected officials, including judges, government staff and residents attending public meetings. Secondly, protecting educators, staff and students at public schools and institutions of higher learning. Grant and Skaggs point out there is no law currently on the books keeping individuals from openly carrying assault weapons on school grounds.
If enacted, knowingly carrying an assault weapon within these zones establishes first and second infractions are considered misdemeanors, third and subsequent violations would be five-year felony offenses.
