Should having a personal protection order (PPO) or domestic violence charges against a person prevent him or her from carrying a concealed weapon? The Michigan Legislature didn’t think so, but Governor Rick Snyder disagrees. On January 15, 2015, he vetoed the bill out of concern for domestic violence victims.
Governor Snyder just defied his own party and the National Rifle Association. He vetoed a bill that would have allowed domestic violence offenders and people with PPOs against them to obtain concealed weapon permits unless the order explicitly prohibits the possession or purchase of a gun.
The change in permitting was only one of many changes in the proposed law. It would also have shifted decision making authority from county concealed weapon licensing boards to county clerks and circuit courts, and required the Michigan State Police to investigate applicants to see if they qualified. The bill also changed some of the procedures and requirements to obtain a CCW license.
But the risk of putting weapons into the hands of domestic abusers was a deal breaker for gun violence and domestic violence prevention advocates across the state, and the nation. The bill even got national attention – Former Congresswoman and gun violence victim Gabrielle Giffords even signed a letter to the Governor urging the veto.
According to Snyder,
“We simply can’t and won’t take the chance of exposing domestic abuse victims to additional violence or intimidation. There are certainly some reforms that can improve the way Michigan issues concealed pistol licenses and we support the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, but it’s crucial that we leave in place protections for people who already have endured challenges and abuse.”
And the statistics back up his concerns.The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it 5 times more likely that an abused woman will be killed. Over half of all domestic violence homicides involved a gun. It appears Governor Snyder recognizes these risks of eliminating barriers between abusers and firearms, and is wiling to break party ranks to protect violence victims.
Lisa J. Schmidt is a family and criminal defense lawyer at Schmidt Law Services in Ferndale, Michigan. She represents abuse victims in family court and people accused of domestic violence. She understands both sides of the issue and can help people find a safe and secure resolution. If you are facing a domestic violence situation, contact Schmidt Law Services for a free consultation.
