A proposed concealed weapons bill in the state Legislature is way off target.

New legislation debated Tuesday in the state House would make it easier to obtain an unrestricted concealed weapons permit in Michigan. State law requires all concealed weapons license applicants to go before a county gun board. To obtain a restricted permit, an owner must specify a purpose for his or her gun ownership, such as hunting or business.

An unrestricted permit does not specify what the gun can be used for, and is currently very difficult to obtain; applicants cannot obtain such a permit unless they demonstrate specific need.

The legislation would be a step backward for common-sense gun control. A restricted permit only requires owners to have one definite use in mind for their gun, which helps ensure the gun will not be used to hurt someone.

Currently, counties do not dole out unrestricted permits without an adequate reason, but the new legislation would allow anyone to obtain an unrestricted gun permit unless there is a major reason not to, such as a felony conviction. Proponents claim it could allow 250,000 more permits in the state.

New legislation should make it more difficult to obtain a concealed weapon permit, not easier. Applicants should have a compelling reason to have a concealed weapon, such as employment-related purposes.

The process for obtaining a gun permit is not overly rigorous; about 31,600 Michigan residents already have obtained unrestricted permits.

There is nothing wrong with making people provide an adequate explanation for what their concealed weapon will be used for. More than 38,000 Michigan residents have restricted permits.

It already is easy enough for people to obtain and use a gun without weakening common-sense regulations that do not restrict law-abiding citizens from obtaining permits that will adequately suit their needs. The state’s law does not infringe on the rights of hunters or people who use guns for sport, and people who want an unrestricted license are able to obtain one with an adequate justification.

In light of the number of recent school shootings that have occurred, the general public is already wary about the efficiency of gun laws. Legislators should be creating common-sense laws that will ensure the public that those obtaining gun licenses will be using the guns in a responsible way, restoring the public’s confidence in gun regulations.

Relaxing the laws will not help make people feel more secure, and thus, the legislation is aimed in the wrong direction.

More than 40 people participated in a candlelight vigil hosted by the mid-Michigan Million Mom March on Monday on the lawn of Michigan’s Capitol. Members and nonmembers gathered together to voice their concern about the bill and support smart gun control laws.

These protesters should be commended for expressing their opinions to the Legislature in a peaceful way. Hopefully by exercising their right to protest, they will change the minds of the Legislature and encourage it to pass common-sense gun laws that are in the best interest of all Michiganians.