Governor Rick Snyder vetoes concealed weapons legislation

(WXYZ) - Governor Rick Snyder has vetoed gun legislation that would have allowed concealed weapons in churches, schools and daycares.

He vetoed Senate Bill 59 Tuesday after stating that he would give the legislation extra consideration following tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

The bill drew widespread criticism in the wake of the school massacre in Newtown where 26 people were killed - including 20 children. Under the proposed law, concealed weapons would have been allowed in schools and churches. 

“This type of violence often leaves society with more questions than answers,” Snyder said. “The reasons for such appalling acts usually are numerous and complex. With that in mind, we must consider legislation like SB 59 in a holistic manner. While the bill’s goal is to help prevent needless violence, Michigan will be better served if we view it through a variety of lenses. A thoughtful review that examines issues such as school emergency policies, disenfranchised youth and mental health services may lead to more answers and better safeguards.”

Some in the GOP argued it was a law designed to protect students because the legislation banned open-carry in schools

Michigan's gun bill proposed allowing gun owners with extra training to carry a concealed weapon in a gun-free zone. 

“While we must vigilantly protect the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, we also must ensure the right of designated public entities to exercise their best discretion in matters of safety and security,” Governor Snyder said. “These public venues need clear legal authority to ban firearms on their premises if they see fit to do so.”

While the governor rejected SB 59, he signed two other bills that streamline the process for handgun purchases.