VIENNA TOWNSHIP, MI -- Police were called to a Clio-area elementary school this week after a father legally carried a loaded pistol on his waist into the school building while picking up his daughter.

School officials said the incident at Edgerton Elementary raised concerns in some staff and students but law enforcement officials said

to carry the gun. Here's a brief look the state laws governing the carrying of firearms:

Can you legally open carry a firearm in Michigan?

Yes. There is no state law specifically stating that citizens can open carry firearms but there is no state law that expressly prohibits it. Therefore, this has been interpreted to mean that open carry is allowed in this state -- with a few exceptions.

Exceptions? What type of exceptions?

State law, MCL 750.234d, makes it a 90 day misdemeanor to possess a firearm at eight different gun-free zones, including:

A depository financial institution such as a bank or credit union

A church or other place of worship

A court

A theater

A sports arena

A daycare center

A hospital

An establishment licensed under the liquor control code.

But, again, there are exceptions. People hired as security guards, peace officers, people who possess firearms with the permission of the owner and people with valid concealed pistol licenses issued by any state may open carry at these locations.

Speaking of people with CPLs, is there a limit on where people with those licenses can take their guns?

Yes. State law, MCL 28.425o, prohibits people with a CPL from carrying concealed weapons in nine pistol-free zones, including:

School or school property unless it's a parent or legal guardian dropping off or picking up a child and the pistol is kept in the vehicle

Public or private daycares

Sports arenas or stadiums

A bar or tavern where sales and consumption of liquor by the glass in the primary source of income

Any property or facility owned or operated by a church or religious organization unless authorized by the presiding official

An entertainment facility with seating for 2,500 or more

A hospital

A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college or university

A casino

Are there exceptions to those CPL limits?

Yes. The statute only applies to CPL holders carrying a concealed pistol. The statute does not apply to CPL holders who are open carrying.

So, CPL holders can open carry in gun-free and pistol-free areas?

Yes.

Schools aren't specifically listed as gun-free zones where open carry is prohibited. Can anyone open carry there?

No. State law MCL 750.237a makes it a 93-day misdemeanor to possess a weapon at schools which are designated as weapon-free zones. However, this law does not apply to security personnel hired by the school, peace officers, those with permission from the school's administration or people with a CPL. There are also a number of exemptions for people who are transporting students to or from the school.

Federal law18 U.S.C. § 922 also places limits on the ability to carry firearms into school zones for those without CPLs.

So, people with CPLs can take guns to schools but cannot have them concealed?

Correct. Open carry is the only option available to them.

Is anyone trying to change the law to prevent CPL holders from open carrying at schools?

Yes. Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, introduced HB 4104 in January. Schor said his bill would create "true gun-free zones" by eliminating the "loophole" that allows CPL holders to open carry at schools.

Schor said the bill has received support from the Michigan Education Association as well as associations that represent public libraries and police officers.

Is there anyone who opposes the change?

Yes. Phillip Hofmeister, the president of Michigan Open Carry, a group that advocates for the open carry of firearms, said after the bill was introduced that the state law should not be changed.

"I think people need to have a way to protect themselves wherever they go, and because of current pistol-free zones, it's the only way people can protect themselves in some places," Hofmeister said.

What is the current status of the bill?

It was assigned to committee in January, but there have been no hearings held on the issue.