MICHIGAN COALITION FOR RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS "Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation." MONDAY E'NEWS   Legislative Update: Domestic Violence Legislation was recently introduced in the Michigan Legislature that would prohibit a person convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm or ammunition in Michigan until the expiration of 8 years after the person has paid all fines imposed for the violation, the person has served all terms of imprisonment imposed for the violation, and the person has successfully completed all conditions of probation or parole imposed for the violation. The main bills in the legislative package are Senate Bill 471 and House Bill 4946. This stated intent behind the legislation -keeping guns out of the hands of people with a recent history of domestic violence- is something most reasonable people agree with regardless of their political leanings. This 8 year prohibition for misdemeanor domestic violence already exists in federal law. However, the legislation recently introduced in Lansing goes well beyond federal law in many ways that are almost certainly unconstitutional. Consequently, MCRGO has gone on record in opposition to the bills. Despite the theme of domestic violence, these bills do not actually focus on violence. A great number of non-violent acts are targeted in the legislation. As an example, the legislation includes using a telecommunications device in a manner that "annoys another person," or making an unsolicited commercial call after 9 PM. Furthermore, regarding dating relationships, federal law applies to a “current or recent former dating relationship with the victim.” The Michigan legislation, in contrast, says, “has or has had a dating relationship.” The word "recent" is omitted. The bills could apply to a dating relationship that hasn't existed in many years. The federal definition of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may be found HERE. The federal definition requires “the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon.” Federal courts are already striking down prohibitions for non-violent felonies. How are they going to see non-violent misdemeanors? MCRGO's position on the bills could change if references to non-violent crimes are removed from the bills and the language is cleaned up to reflect federal law. MCRGO thanks Michigan Open Carry's Legislative Director, Tom Lambert, for his legal research on this legislation which contributed substantially to this article. Fall Firearms Festival Schedule of Events MCRGO's Fall Firearms Festival will be held this coming Saturday, September 23 at Kickin' Brass Gun Range; 2881 N. Portage Rd.; Leoni, MI (Jackson County). MCRGO members and the general public are welcome to attend the event at no cost. No RSVP is necessary. Details follow. CLUBHOUSE EVENTS: No Cost 11:00-Noon: Interactive Virtual Range Noon-1:00: Ask an Attorney 1:00:-2:30: New Shooter Workshop 2:00-3:00: Legislative Q&A 3:30-4:00: Awards Ceremony SHOOTING EVENTS: $10 suggested donation per event 11:30-12:30: 200 yard Rifle 12:30-1:30: Pistol Marksmanship 1:30-2:30: One Handed Pistol 2:30-3:30: Modern Rifle GRILL: No Cost 11:00-3:00 or as supplies last Cheeseburgers, Brats, Hot Dogs, Bagged Chips Pop, Iced Tea, and Bottled Water Competitive shooters should bring their own firearms, ammunition, ear & eye protection. MCRGO will provide firearms, ammunition, ear & eye protection only for the new shooter workshop. Alcoholic beverages and cannabis are not welcome at the event. Open carry and licensed concealed carry are welcome at the event. SHOOTING COMPETITION RULES 200 Yard Rifle: Any rifle of any caliber less than .50 BMG. Scopes are allowed. Anticipate the range to be between 150-200 yards rather than exactly 200 yards. Pistol Marksmanship: 10 yards. Two handed. 9mm/.38 or larger caliber. Iron sights and optics will be separate categories. One Handed Pistol: 15 yards. Camp Perry style. 9mm/.38 or larger caliber. Iron sights and optics will be separate categories. Modern Rifle: 40 yards. Any modern style rifle. Scopes are allowed. One on one dueling trees. 10 rounds, five flappers. The competitor with the most on one side after the 10 rounds moves on to the next round tournament style. NEW SHOOTER WORKSHOP MCRGO is providing a free, 90 minute, New Shooter Workshop at the Fall Firearms Festival from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. The workshop will include both classroom and range time. It is focused on basic gun safety and handling, proper grip and shooting technique. It will be taught by MCRGO Instructor Chuck Bates. MCRGO will provide firearms, ammunition, ear & eye protection for the workshop. Participants are also welcome to bring their own. Minors may participate on the condition that their parent or guardian is physically present at the workshop. Due to limited space, please RSVP to Brady at [email protected] if you are interested in attending. UPCOMING EVENTS MCRGO Fall Firearms Festival Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 11 AM to 4 PM Kickin' Brass Gun Range; 2881 N. Portage Rd.; Leoni, MI (Jackson County) Open to MCRGO members and the public at no cost, no RSVP is necessary. MCRGO Annual Meeting Friday, December 1, 2023 from 11 AM to 2 PM Coral Gables Restaurant; 2838 Grand River Ave.; East Lansing, MI 48823 Only open to MCRGO members. Due to limited seating, please RSVP to [email protected]. MCRGO will provide a pizza & salad buffet with coffee, pop, and water. Donations voluntary. MCRGO | PO Box 2294, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 [email protected] Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!