Michigan House of Representatives Bans Gun Buybacks by Local Governments
Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill to prevent local governments from using taxpayers’ money to conduct gun buyback programs. State Representative Annette Glenn, R-Midland, sponsored House Bill 5479, which would prevent the repossession of guns from people who no longer want them at the taxpayers’ dime. The bill also prevents local governments from carrying out any restrictions on guns and firearm components. Local governments can still take firearms surrendered for free.
“While our state and the federal constitution guarantees every citizen the right to keep and bear arms, no citizen has the right to sell old firearms to a unit of government at taxpayer expense,” Rep. Glenn said.
One Democrat, Rep. John Chirkun, D-Roseville, joined the republican legislators in passing the measure in a 58-49 vote. The rest of the democratic representatives opposed the bill claiming that it would curtail the local governments’ efforts in keeping communities safe.
“To tell our local governments in many ways that we as state representatives and state senators know what’s best for their communities is simply not true,” Rep. Alex Garza said.
Gun buyback programs are ineffective in reducing crimes because they depend on the will of the law-abiding citizens to hand in weapons, which they do not intend to use, while criminals retain theirs. In cases where criminals hand in their weapons, it is a safe method for them to dispose of guns they have already used in committing crimes.
Most gun buybacks take place on the philosophy on “no questions asked,” thus allowing criminals to dispose of their firearms at a profit. In most cases, these firearms are destroyed with any evidence of unlawful use. This reduces the possibility of law enforcement officers linking the criminals to the firearms, thus allowing them to remain free.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.
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