Aric Nesbitt on Gun Control

Don't require background checks; mandate safe gun storage

Bridge Michigan summary 4/13/23: Gov. Whitmer signed into law gun safe storage and universal background check legislation, calling the measures a "common sense" approach to deter firearm violence.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 61-47-2 on Mar/22/23; passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/23/23; signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Apr/19/23

Don't allow cities and towns to enact laws regarding knives

Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would have prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing any knife law stricter than state law. Crime is local. In my view, citizens of Michigan's cities and towns-not Lansing politicians-should be able to make their own public safety decisions. HB 4066 would deprive them of that power. I am therefore vetoing this legislation.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-41-0 on Jun/17/21; Sen. Nesbitt voted YES; passed Senate 25-11-0 rollcall 391 on Oct/19/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.

Allow concealed pistol license even under protective order

Summary by Detroit News, 1/15/2015Senate Bill 789 contained a provision that would have required authorities to issue a concealed pistol license to someone subject to a personal protection order for domestic violence or stalking unless a judge indicated they were not allowed to purchase or carry a gun. "Under current law, no person who is subject to such an order may obtain such a license," Snyder wrote in his veto letter. "The bill would have amended the restriction, preventing the issuance only if the prohibition was specifically spelled out by the court."

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 26-12-0 on Dec/19/14; passed House 84-26-0 on Dec/19/14; State Rep. Aric Nesbitt voted YES; vetoed by Governor Rick Snyder on Jan/15/15.