State Rep. Beau LaFave today voted to support a resolution adopted by the Michigan House to reaffirm the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in Michigan.
The right to use firearms for self-defense is ensured and protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article One, Section Six of the Michigan Constitution – and LaFave said he took an oath as a state representative to defend both documents.
“I am always proud to speak up and defend our freedom to keep and bear arms,” LaFave said. “The Second Amendment is continuously under attack by people who think hundreds of thousands of responsible gun owners should lose their rights in a futile attempt to prevent evil-minded people from breaking the law. This resolution sends a clear message that my colleagues and I are committed to protecting the Second Amendment, and we will not pass any laws infringing on the ability of law-abiding residents to own firearms.”
LaFave said he co-sponsored the resolution as a show of support for law-abiding gun owners who carry for self-defense, hunting and competition.
House Resolution 227 clearly states the Michigan Legislature will not pass laws that infringe upon the ability of Michigan residents to own and keep firearms. It also says the Legislature “will ensure legislation in violation of our constitutional right to bear arms will not be imposed upon the citizens of Michigan by either the federal government or itself and would view such infringements as violations of both the Second Amendment and the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963.”
State Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, today introduced a plan that would shield private property rights for Michiganders by keeping DNR officers off their property without a warrant, permission from the property owner or lessee, reasonable belief evidence of a crime will be destroyed before a warrant is issued, or the employee is in pursuit of a criminal suspect.
The measure prohibits any Department of Natural Resources employee from entering one’s private property unless they have probable cause a crime is being committed. This could include authorization from a property owner or lessee, a court-issued warrant, or strong belief from the officer there is evidence of a crime that would be destroyed or concealed before a warrant is equipped.
“The right to own private property, which is merited under the Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights, is under attack,” LaFave said. “It is our constitutional right to own private property without excessive government control. When people are paying the government a significant amount of money in taxes every year, they expect their rights to be respected.
“Instead, you see DNR officers on opening day of deer season walking around your land, with no probable cause. It’s frustrating.”
LaFave said the Michigan State Police don’t violate property rights when investigating murders, rapes and arsons, so the DNR shouldn’t be violating property rights to investigate a squirrel shot out of season.
“Our plan will protect Michigan families from overreaching government regulations,” LaFave said. “Afterall, we’re in America – this isn’t the old Soviet Union.”
LaFave added that citizens might not be too concerned about protecting their private property rights until it’s too late, usually after the government steps in and makes a decision that affects them directly.
“Michigan property owners must demand their rights are protected to prevent anything like this from happening,” LaFave said. “I am committed to standing up for our families and communities and telling the DNR this is unacceptable.”
House Bill 5540 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
