Michigan State Rep. Tom Barrett will introduce a bill that would exempt military personnel in uniform from the state's pistol-free zone restrictions. Currently, carrying handguns in certain locations, such as day care centers and schools, sports stadiums, churches, bars and casinos, is prohibited by state law.
However, the military recruitment center shootings in Chattanooga have shed light on the ongoing risk faced by our unarmed active-duty military personnel. If passed, Barrett’s bill will provide uniformed military an extra layer of security in public places.
“They wouldn't have to disarm to go drop their kid off at school or at day care while they're in uniform,” said Barrett, a 13-year veteran of the Army National Guard. “When we're out of uniform and less likely to be targeted, we would have to follow the exact same rules and regulations as every other person in Michigan.”
