Good morning! Today, MSCC Commissioners Bill Kandler and John Truscott are set to present their fact-finding report on the possibility of implementing a firearms ban in the state Capitol.
They've been working on the report since June 30.
After a few presentations on Capitol building/grounds projects, Kandler starts off by summarizing what he and Truscott have learned since embarking on the project.
They've met with experts and officials from state government, Legislature, MSP, Michigan Supreme Court and more.
The two options on the table — besides doing nothing — are: a.) complete weapons ban and b.) open carry ban.
"Banning open carry would not be a problem for the state police," Kandler said, while a complete ban would require more infrastructure, planning, appropriated funds.
Vice-Chair Truscott notes that the report is purely fact-finding, and does not contain a recommendation.
A full firearms ban would require a comprehensive policy for the Michigan State Police/private security contractor, as the rule would be worthless without full enforcement.
Initial cost estimates for a full firearms ban: Upwards of $500K for a security contract, plus at least $5,600 for magnetometer. Capitol would need 3 magnetometers on hand for backup.
"We know that whatever we do, we will likely be subjected to a lawsuit," Truscott says.
Commissioner Joan Bauer thanks the members for their work on the report, but notes that she is "very, very disappointed" that today's meeting didn't happen months ago.
Four months have passed since armed protesters pressed their way into the state Capitol during session.
Members had just voted to schedule a meeting with Shirkey and Chatfield later this week, but Bauer wants faster movement.
Bauer moves that the MSCC immediately adopt a policy prohibiting firearms within the Capitol, with immediate effect. 5 min recess for discussion before vote.
Kandler and Truscott both voting no:
Kandler is "uncomfortable" implementing a policy today that can't yet be enforced.
Truscott: MSCC has an obligation to meet with legislative leaders before making a decision.
Bauer and Chartkoff vote yes; Randall, Truscott, Kandler and O'Brien vote no. Motion fails.
Kandler puts forward a motion to immediately ban open carry as a starting point. It has Bauer's support, but Truscott and O'Brien say they should meet with legislative leaders first.
That motion failed, too.
Plan to meet with House Speaker Chatfield and Senate Majority Leader Shirkey will go forward, and if that ends with an agreement, a special meeting could be called before the next general meeting on Oct. 12.
State Rep. @SarahAnthony517 tearfully begged the commission to act.
"When those white supremacists come into this building, they are targeting people that look like Rep. [Brenda] Carter and I," Anthony says.
State Rep. @RepBrendaCarter: "I'm a Black woman, and I live in fear. And I shouldn't have to."
"When we get to the point as a governmental body where fixtures mean more than human life, then we got a problem. We got a serious issue."
Randall responds to Anthony and Carter's comments, saying that the MSCC will act but needs to put plans and appropriations in place first.
Meeting now concluded.
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