By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-988815.mp3
LANSING, MI –
The state Senate has approved legislation that would allow private citizens with a concealed weapon permit to carry an electric "stun gun" for self-defense. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports.
Right now, only prison guards and law enforcement officers are allowed to carry stun guns. State Senator Rick Jones is a former sheriff who backs the legislation. The Republican lawmaker says it makes sense to allow private citizens who are qualified to carry a concealed pistol to have a non-lethal alternative.
"You know, 43 other states allow this," he says. "Why shouldn't somebody who can have a gun and fire bullets in defense of their life or as a defense against rape, why shouldn't they have the option of having a taser?'"
Jones says instances of people dying from "stun guns" are rare.
People carrying "stun guns" would have the same restrictions as other conceal-and-carry permit holders - for example, it would be a crime to have a stun gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.