Michigan citizens could soon have the right to carry a stun gun.
The state senate wants to make it law and the house will soon debate the issue
Here’s a look what the legalization of tasers would mean and the benefits and concerns some have.
You’ve probably seen the video before. A taser delivers an electrical punch and when engaged, the person is practically helpless.
Tasers have been used in law enforcement, and 44 states have allowed people to carry them. Former sheriff's deputy, now state senator, Rick Jones wants Michigan to become the 45th.
“I think it's important we give everybody options to defend themselves," said Senator Jones, (R-MI) 24th District.
The bill has passed through the state senate and would allow holders of concealed pistol licenses to purchase a specific type of taser. The citizen taser would fire a single shot that would stun a person for 30 seconds.
"If you use a taser, or use a gun, it'd be only in defense of your life or against rape," said Sen. Jones.
But for the Michigan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, they'd like to see the lawmakers take a look at some studies before tasers are legalized.
"Children, pregnant women, the elderly, there have been many questions that have been raised about what effect those devices have on those particular individuals. Serious questions about the safety of tasers and the effects they have on the human body," said Mark Fancher, Staff Attorney for the Michigan Civil Liberties Union.
But many in law enforcement, like Harbor Springs Police Chief Dan Branson, supports citizen tasers.
“I'd like to think it's ok to take a taser or a weapon that is approved by the state that is not designed to take a life but to afford personal protection for the individual," said Branson.
Wisconsin passed a law allowing tasers in November.
Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island do not allow tasers to be carried by citizens.
The Michigan State House has referred the bill to a judiciary committee to review it.
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Michigan could soon join dozens of other states and allow people to carry stun guns.
Senate Bill 30 was introduced on January 19, 2011 by Sen. Rick Jones.
The Michigan Legislature is discussing the measure that could make Michigan the 45th state to allow stun guns. In an article in the Detroit Free Press, Sen.. Jones discussed why it makes sense.
"You could use it when you could use a gun, and you must have all the training that goes into a concealed pistol license," said Sen.. Jones. "I think it's just common sense that someone would rather use electricity than a gun when they can."
The Michigan Senate approved the bill 35-3 in October, which would allow people with concealed weapons permits to also carry stun guns. Now similar legislation is being discussed in the House. House Bill 4009 was referred to a judiciary committee.
Michigan law has banned the use of stun guns since 1976, with exceptions of police and some other security personnel.
Would you carry a stun gun if they were legal? Tell us what you think by taking part in the poll below and leaving your comments.