rick-snyder-michigan.jpg

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder

(AP Photo | Carlos Osorio)

LANSING, MI — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday vetoed “air gun reclassification” legislation that sought to change the definition of "firearm" in various state statutes.

Four Senate bills sent to the governor earlier this month would have created a new regulatory category for “pneumatic guns,” which expel projectiles via gas or air rather than an explosive.

Snyder, in a veto letter to lawmakers, noted that the original air gun package had included three other House bills that did not reach his desk. As a result, he said he was left to consider an incomplete package.

“Because only part of the pneumatic gun reform package has been enrolled and presented to me for signature, the enactment of these bills would result in a variety of contracting definitions of ‘firearm’ across our statutes,” he wrote.

The legislation would have changed the definition of firearm in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act but not Michigan firearms laws, the governor continued.

“In short, the enactment of these four senate bills would result in a situation that would be extremely confusing for both law enforcement and gun owners.”

The National Rifle Association had supported the full package in committee, testifying that Michigan is one of just four states that classifies most air guns as firearms, making them more difficult to purchase or move between states.

NRA image from committee testimony of the "air gun reclassification package" in Michigan.

The NRA is “obviously disappointed” that the air gun legislation will not become law this year, according to state liaison Dakota Moore, but the group agreed with Snyder that an incomplete package would have led to conflicts in state law.

“We will be coming back very early in the next session and reintroducing the entire package, and we hope to see movement on that,” said Moore. “I believe that is the governor's, as well as the Legislature's, position. This proposal has merit and creates necessary change in state law.”

Snyder on Monday also vetoed House Bill 4573, which sought to prorate liquor license fees, allowing companies that obtain them mid-year to avoid paying an entire year's fee.

The governor said there are “elements of this bill that I could support,” but he noted that the legislation did not address an estimated revenue reduction of up to $600,000 a year. He also expressed other concerns.

Current law requires the Liquor Control Commission to hold a hearing to suspend or revoke a license when a company accumulates three or more violations for serving alcohol to a minor or visibly intoxicated patron.

Under the legislation, all three violations would have had to occur in the same building to prompt a hearing, but the governor noted that many licensees operate multiple locations. “That lessens the ability of the Commission to protect public health," he wrote.

Snyder is reviewing more than 200 bills approved by lawmakers following the November general election in what is commonly known as the lame-duck session.

Beyond the vetoes — which have been relatively rare in his first term — Snyder also signed several bills on Monday, including a new law allowing state-chartered banks to conduct promotional raffles based on customer deposits.

Another new law amends the Autism Coverage Reimbursement Act to allow for one-time expenditures of $5.5 million from a pre-existing fund.

Of that, $4 million would go to universities for training health care professionals to assess, diagnose and provide treatment to patients with autism spectrum disorders. Another $1.5 million would go to the Autism Alliance of Michigan, which provides assistance and resources to families.

“We’re working to build a stronger provider network to help people who cope with autism spectrum disorders and their families and provide assistance for families,” Snyder said in a statement.

“For years, Michigan families struggled to find the help they’ve needed. I appreciate Lt. Gov. Brian Calley’s efforts to work with our partners in the Legislature to improve access and insurance coverage.”

Jonathan Oosting is a Capitol reporter for MLive Media Group. Email him, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.