LANSING — A new bill in the Michigan Legislature could make the Great Lakes State the country’s 45th to allow stun guns to be carried for self-defense.

The guns have been blamed in lawsuits previously as causing deaths but those in favor believe they are much less dangerous than guns. 

The Michigan Senate approved the bill 35-3 earlier this fall but the house referred it to a judiciary committee according to local reports.

Under the measure, people with a concealed handgun license could also buy and carry the stun guns with the same restrictions included for usage. Wisconsin adopted a similar measure on Nov. 1. 

The Michigan Civil Liberties Union is among those opposing it.