Michigan lawmakers consider doing away with state background checks for purchasing firearms

In most states in the U.S., it's common practice to run background screenings on individuals attempting to purchase any type of firearm. However, lawmakers in Michigan are considering eliminating state background checks for individuals attempting to buy pistols. State Senator Rick Jones defends the proposed legislation by claiming that the checks merely duplicate the state background check, known as a License to Purchase, obtained at the police station or sheriff's office, WILX-TV reports. Despite a federal check being performed anyway, not all individuals are buying this argument. The Michigan State Police told the news source that 47 percent of all pistol purchases are private transactions where background checks are unavailable. "A convicted felon or wanted fugitive would no longer have to find a covert way to purchase a pistol anymore. They could purchase at any private transaction or at any gun show and they would know that they were not going to be subject to a background check," Sergeant Christopher Hawkins told  the news station. Others also oppose the bill. According to the East Village magazine, eight Michigan mayors recently sent a letter to Governor Rick Snyder and state Senate leaders expressing their opposition to the bill.