Michigan is yet another state that is fighting for its residents’ right to keep and bear arms. Over a dozen State House members are co-sponsoring a Firearms Freedom Act that was introduced on Jan. 24.
House Bill 4099 is supported by Reps. MacMaster, Genetski, Lauwers, Rogers, McMillin, Somerville, Pettalia, Daley, Rendon, Kurtz, Haveman, Kelly and Johnson and is intended to stop the federal gun grabbers from controlling firearms made within the State of Michigan. Michigan joins Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina and a whole slew of other states that are battling back against federal gun control measures with legislation introduced during the 2013 session.
The bill asserts state sovereignty and affirms the natural rights of its citizens stating, “Amendment II of the constitution of the United States reserves to the people the right to keep and bear arms as that right was understood at the time that Michigan was admitted to statehood, and the guaranty of the right is a matter of contract between the state and people of Michigan and the United States as of the time that the compact with the United States was agreed upon and adopted by Michigan and the United States.”
It continues on to say, “A personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Michigan and that remains within the borders of Michigan is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of congress to regulate interstate commerce. It is declared by the legislature that those items have not traveled in interstate commerce. This section applies to a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured in Michigan from basic materials and that can be manufactured without the inclusion of any significant parts imported from another state.”
Although the bill does not tackle the problem of the Federal Government regulating arms made in other places than the State of Michigan, this bill is definitely a good start in securing liberty for its residents. If this bill passes, it will ensure that local manufacturers will be able to distribute guns freely throughout Michigan.
Presently, HB 4099 has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary. GOP House Speaker Jase Bolger has said that the legislature will delay the hearing of this bill citing the hysteria related to the Newtown shooting as the justification for this stalling. Apparently Rep. Bolger doesn’t see defending the Constitutional rights of his constituents as any kind of pressing matter. Perhaps if he (along with the rest of his colleagues in the State House) receives enough pressure from well-informed passionate citizens, he might reconsider his position.
LEGISLATION AND TRACKING
If you would like a bill like this to be introduced in your state, see the Tenth Amendment Center’s model legislation, The Second Amendment Preservation Act.
To track Firearms Freedom Acts throughout the country, click HERE
ACTION ITEMS
If you live in the state of Michigan, you can contact your legislator to urge them to support HB 4099 by clicking HERE.