State Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Lake Odessa) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen) have introduced bicameral legislation to preserve the Second Amendment rights of Michiganders.

House Bill 5132 and Senate Bill 584 would make Michigan a Second Amendment sanctuary state, meaning state law prohibits the enforcement of gun control measures that violate the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. The legislators pointed to examples such as universal background checks, red flag laws and other laws that make lawful gun ownership more difficult and lack proof of effectiveness in preventing acts of violence.

“My constituents sent me to Lansing to stand up for their rights, and that’s exactly what this legislation does,” Johnsen said. “Our Second Amendment is an integral part of our right to personal protection in the U.S., but those rights are being slowly chipped away. My Republican colleagues and I are doing all we can to get in the way of that.”

“I am always proud to stand up for the Second Amendment,” Lindsey said. “Now, more than ever, we need bold action to preserve our rights.”

Johnsen has actively defended the rights of lawful gun owners since taking office in January. Earlier this term, she introduced a bill to establish the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, which would prohibit banks and credit card companies from requiring Michigan retailers to use specialized codes to flag firearms purchases, and another bill that would allow CPL holders to carry their firearms on college campuses throughout Michigan. Both bills have yet to be brought up for consideration by the majority.

Lindsey has also been an avid supporter of the Second Amendment. He helped spearhead a bill package earlier this year that would bring constitutional carry to Michigan. Lindsey’s bill within the package, Senate Bill 309, would repeal the requirement for military members to obtain a Concealed Pistol License to carry a firearm. As a veteran, Lindsey said he understands the hassle that active military members must go through when carrying a firearm in Michigan.

The proposals introduced today by Johnsen and Lindsey were referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, respectively.

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