(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/07/2023) The Michigan State Capitol Commission (MSCC) may be taking another look at its proposed no-guns in the Capitol policy as it relates to lawmakers.
MSCC Chair Bill Kandler said on the MIRS Monday podcast that he believes a proposed complete ban on firearms in the state Capitol could be amended to exempt lawmakers who legally practice concealed carry.
"I think there will be such an amendment offered. I certainly would not vote for it," Kandler said on the MIRS Monday podcast. "They haven't convinced me that it's unconstitutional to keep anybody from bringing a gun into the building . … we will pass a policy of some kind or another, which I would not be surprised includes (an exemption) for legislators."
The Commission pushed for a full Capitol weapons ban on July 31 that included visitors and legislators alike, in its current language. Law enforcement and security would still be allowed to carry concealed or otherwise.
In recent years, it's been unofficially said that around 20 legislators perform their Capitol duties while carrying a concealed gun. According to the Concealed Coalition, 7.6% of residents in the state have a Concealed Pistol License (CPL), with Michigan law also recognizing concealed carry permits from other states.
The language gathered vocal opposition from House Freedom Caucus Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Alto), who said the MSCC could write any "cowardly resolution" they want, "I will continue to carry my weapon." Others also questioned whether a legislator could be legally prevented from accessing the House floor.
Rigas said Monday she is encouraged to hear the Commission is going to revisit the conversation, but stressed that the appointed body doesn't have the power to restrict legislators' ability to carry guns anyway.
"The right to carry a firearm is protected by the Constitution," she said. "As far as I'm aware, the Lansing Capitol Commission is not at liberty to amend that particular document … The idea that this was ever within the control of this commission is laughable. They aren't revisiting anything because this was never within their power in the first place."
The chair of the Legislative Freedom Caucus, Rep. Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers) said the Capitol Commission should respect legislators' right to self-defense.
"In an era when the FBI entrapped individuals in a kidnapping plot of our state's governor, politically motivated witch hunts are commonplace, and propagandized media spins frame narratives that fuel the radical left's destruction of our state and country, the least the Capitol Commission can do is ensure we have the right to protect ourselves," Carra said.
Kandler said he's received no emails concerning the ban, although a few legislators have asked him questions about it directly.
"Mainly the pro-gun people … some people think that this is an effort to take guns away from people. We are not taking a gun away. We don't have the authority to take a gun away from anybody. We have the authority to control what comes into the building, and that's all we're doing. It has nothing to do with (gun issues in general)," Kandler said.
Kandler said staff members inside the Capitol are still on edge about a Spring 2020 protest against COVID-19 restrictions that featured armed demonstrators entering the building, hovering above senators in the chamber gallery.
Months later, the Commission approved a ban against openly carrying firearms inside of the Capitol, after the Attorney General issued an opinion clarifying that the MSCC could restrict the presence of weapons within the building.
But ultimately, Kandler said Spring 2020 "really struck a chord with people … it was probably a cough away from somebody discharging a weapon and having a slaughter in that building."
As someone who served as Secretary of the Senate from 1979 through 1986, and who was past Gov. Jennifer Granholm's legislative liaison before becoming a long-time lobbyist in Lansing, Kandler said "I didn't spend a career to get to the point of taking guns from people. Definitely not."
The MSCC is scheduled to vote on the ban Wednesday, Aug. 16, and Kandler said he's certain there will be at least one lawsuit against it.
