Concealed carry still requires a permit in Michigan. And that isn’t likely to change any time soon.
For those of you who follow our blog, you’ll remember an article we posted a few months ago about possible changes coming down the pipeline with regard to gun laws in Michigan. Among other things, there was a bill that had been introduced which, if signed into law, would allow Michigan residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit.
Under current Michigan law, no one is allowed to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a handgun in Michigan without first getting a license for it, a process which is regulated by the Michigan State Police. State Representative Lee Chatfield, however, thinks that this is a waste of taxpayer resources, as it does nothing to reduce crime, but costs the state a lot of money and manpower.
This is something of a controversial concept that has stirred up a great deal of debate since it’s introduction. State Rep Chatfield, the man behind the proposal, aims to eliminate the required registration for gun owners in Michigan. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in June, and looked as it it may be a done deal. But the Michigan Senate, it seems, doesn’t agree.
Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof was open about his perspective that the time simply isn’t right for permitless gun carrying in Michigan. His reasons? Well, although the Senator admits that he hasn’t discussed these particular bills with Governor Snyder, he senses that the Governor is reluctant to change Michigan gun laws at this time. “The timing isn’t right yet, maybe is the right way to say it.” he explained.
Michigan is unlikely to end up a ‘permit-free’ state after all.
Meekhof, who currently chairs the Senate Government Operations committee where House Bills 4416-4419 are being reviewed, believes the bills might have a better chance if they were part of a different deal. But not now. Perhaps some time in the future. Interestingly, Governor Snyder hasn’t made a decision yet, and his spokesperson Anna Heaton says that if the bills were to end up on his desk he would be willing to review them.
Should Meekhof be wrong, and the Senate does choose to vote the bills through, it would mean significant changes for Michigan gun laws. Specifically, the four bill package would repeal the requirement that Michigan gun owners get a permit in order to carry a concealed firearm. Penalties for certain violations, like carrying a handgun without proper identification, would be reduced. However, people prohibited from having or owning guns under the current law would still be forbidden from carrying them. However, some of those people can have their gun rights restored, according to Attorney Stephanie M. Service at The Kronzek Firm.
Gun laws change regularly, and it can be difficult for residents to keep up. Something that was legal last time you checked may be illegal now, and you had no idea. So we recommend that you read our blog regularly to stay updated on changing laws pertaining to weapons ownership and possession in Michigan.
If however, you have any concerns about your gun rights, or have been charged with a weapons-related crime in Michigan, call The Kronzek Firm immediately. Our hard working team of criminal defense attorneys cares about preserving your freedom, and we work hard to prove it. Call us at 866 766 5245 us to see if our aggressive, hands-on approach is a good match for your legal needs.