Posted on 02/08/2006 8:12:57 AM PST by neverdem
Capital News Service
Governor supports efforts to simplify state's current laws
Firearms owners would be permitted to carry unloaded weapons in their trunks, even if they don't have a hunting license, under legislation under consideration in the state House.
Rep. Tim Moore, the sponsor, said many well-meaning people are unintentionally breaking the present law.
"We want to make sure that law-abiding citizens don't face penalties," said Moore, calling it a "common sense bill."
The bill would require that all guns be unloaded "in both barrel and magazine and be carried in the trunk of a vehicle."
Currently, gun owners who are transporting guns must either have a hunting license or be en route to or from a "rifle or target range, trap or skeet shooting ground, or archery range." Violations carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $250 fine.
That destination provision makes the law unenforceable, said Sam Washington, executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. "I could say I was going out to a range, and the officer would have no way of knowing," he said.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm supports the bill and will sign it if it comes to her desk, said spokeswoman Heidi Watson: "It simplifies current regulations."
The bill is before the House Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Committee.
Chairman Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said he expected the bill to sail through committee and pass the House because he and Moore have seen no significant opposition.
"Nobody's come forward to me to say that they're against it," said Moore.
Casperson said he plans to schedule a hearing this month.
Thoughtcrime! Everyone knows you are supposed to dial 911 and wait!
Yep.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (EXCERPT)
Act 451 of 1994
Sec. 43513.
(1) A person may carry, transport, or possess a firearm, a bow and arrow, or a crossbow without a hunting license while at or going to and from a recognized rifle or target range, trap, or skeet shooting ground, or archery range if the firearm or bow and arrow or crossbow, while being carried or transported, is as follows:
(a) The firearm is unloaded in both barrel and magazine and either enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle.
(b) The bow or crossbow is unstrung, enclosed in a case, or carried in the trunk of a vehicle.
(2) Regardless of whether the person has a license or it is open season for the taking of game, a person may carry, transport, possess or discharge a firearm, a bow and arrow, or a crossbow if all of the following apply:
(a) The person is not taking or attempting to take game but is engaged in 1 or more of the following activities:
(i) Target practice using an identifiable, artificially constructed target or targets.
(ii) Practice with silhouettes, plinking, skeet, or trap.
(iii) Sighting-in the firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow.
(b) The person is, or is accompanied by or has the permission of, either of the following:
(i) The owner of the property on which the activity under subdivision (a)(i), (ii), or (iii) is taking place.
(ii) The lessee of that property for a term of not less than 1 year.
(c) The owner or lessee of the property does not receive remuneration for the activity under subdivision (a)(i), (ii), or (iii).
(3) A person may carry or possess an unloaded weapon at any time if the person is traveling to or from or participating in an historical reenactment.
And here is a link to the proposed changes:
You think that's bad, in Maryland if you so much as stop for a cup of coffee on your way to or from a shooting activity, an unloaded handgun in the trunk is technically "transporting a handgun without a license" which carries a first offense penalty of up to three years in prison.
Shifting into fire instructor mode.
Ammo involved in fires will not explode, (except on TV or in movies.)
The cases will rupture sometimes and the powder will burn rapidly, but no explosion. The round will not "discharge."
If the primer goes first the case will burst.
Ammo is considered a fire hazard, not an explosive hazard.
I've fired M-16 on full auto enough to have a orange glowing barrell.
Put a squard of soldiers all having done this into a Huey and you have a fun, don't touch me moment.
Or press your "Trunk Monkey" button.
Ditto what everyone else already said, as well as ASA Vet. I've tossed reloads that went bad (i.e. usually instances where the case buckled/wrinkled) into a fire. I didn't stand around waiting for them to cook off. But they did explode, after a fashion, enough to move stuff around them.
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN OF 1963 ARTICLE I. DECLARATION OF RIGHTS MCL Const. 1963, Art. 1, | 6 (1992) | 6. Bearing of arms. Sec. 6. Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state. HISTORY: Const. 1963, Art. I, | 6, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964. NOTES: Former Constitution: See Const. 1908, Art. II, | 5.
IMO The MI Legislature better get on this little problem sooner rather than later.
For those unfamiliar with MI law, the state requires that newly purchased handguns be presented to local law enforcment for a "safety inspection", within 10 days of purchase. (The handguns are then registered; serial number, caliber, etc. are all entered into the State database.)
If I read the law regarding transportation of firearms correctly, it would appear that anyone in MI who takes a handgun to their local Sheriff/P.D. for the required "safety inspection", is technically breaking the law regarding transportation of firearms, unless that person has either a hunting license, or concealed weapons permit.
Heh! That'll work. Always wanted one of those trunk monkeys.
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