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Anti-Federal Regulation Gun Bill Proposed In Michigan

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Republican state senators have introduced a bill that would exempt Michigan-made guns and ammunition from federal regulations.

Thirteen Republican senators introduced the "Michigan Firearms Freedom Act" on Thursday. The bill's introduction came just two days since resident Barack Obama laid out his extensive gun proposal, which includes reinstating the military-style assault weapon ban.

Progress Michigan said the bill was "copy and pasted from fringe Missouri legislation" and asked lawmakers to "stop introducing legislation written by radical out-of-state special interest groups."

Several other states are proposing similar bills.

The bill's primary sponsor is Republican Rep. Phil Parlov of St. Clair County's St. Clair Township. MLive.com reports that Parlov introduced the same bill in 2009, but the bill stalled in committee under the Democratic-controlled House.

WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Senator Rick Jones, who is also among the bill's supporters.

"This bill doesn't seek to codify the statute that Michigan will have AR-15s. What this bill does is assure that Michigan manufacturers can make guns here, and if they're used in Michigan the federal government really should have nothing to do with it," Jones said.

Jones said his constituents are behind him.

"What I usually here is that we have too many coyotes in the area and they're actually coming into our backyards and going after our domestic cats and dogs," he said. "So, my constitutes believe in the right to hunt and the right to protect your life."

Jones said he was shot at three times on the job and, each time, it was by a stolen gun.

President Obama on Wednesday outlined a sweeping $500 million program to curb gun violence across the nation. Obama used his presidential powers to issue 23 orders that don't require congressional approval.

"While reducing gun violence is a complicated challenge, protecting our children from harm shouldn't be a divisive one," Obama said. "To make a real and lasting difference, Congress must act. And Congress must act soon." (Read more here).

RELATED: High-Capacity Guns & Assault Rifles Flying Off Shelves

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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