Under its provisions county gun boards would be maintained and still allowed to deny a concealed weapons permit for specific or general reasons. The bill also sets up an appeals process in circuit court. It also raises the age from 18 to 21 at which people are eligible, requires a training course and stiffens the penalty for violating the law. The Senate version would abolish county gun boards and mandates that a concealed weapons permit be issued unless the applicant falls into a specified list of individuals deemed unsuitable - for example, the mentally ill or certain felons. Supporters argue the law provides for a Constitutional right and would push down the crime rate.
Opponents say more guns encourage more violence.
The Colorado shooting also weighed in on another recent argument at the state Capitol. A movement to put the death penalty on the ballot for a public vote could not muster the needed votes Wednesday. And the next person would say, 'Here is a perfect example of why the death penalty is needed. The Traverse City Record-Eagle. All rights reserved.