Big Gun Law Change Proposed for Concealed Carry in Michigan

Living here in Flint and Genesee County, you hear a lot of conversations about gun laws. It comes up at the gas station, in line at the grocery store, or while grabbing coffee in the morning. Now there is a new proposal in Lansing that could change how concealed handguns are carried in Michigan.

What The New Michigan Gun Proposal Would Do

State House Republicans have introduced a package of bills that would allow legal gun owners to carry a concealed pistol without first getting a permit.

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According to MLive, supporters of the plan say the right to carry a firearm is already protected by both the U.S. Constitution and the Michigan Constitution, and they argue that requiring a permit turns that right into something controlled by the government.

How Concealed Carry Currently Works In Michigan

Right now in Michigan, gun owners who are at least 18 can legally carry a handgun in public as long as it is visible. This is known as open carry. But if someone wants to carry a concealed pistol, meaning hidden under clothing or otherwise out of sight, they must be at least 21 and obtain a concealed pistol license, often called a CPL. That process includes submitting an application, paying fees, and taking a safety class. Carrying concealed without that license is currently a felony in Michigan.

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Under the proposed legislation, the CPL system would still exist. People could still apply for one, which can be useful because some states require visitors to have a license from their home state in order to legally carry.

Why Supporters And Critics Disagree

Supporters of the bills say removing the permit requirement would strengthen personal protection rights and could even reduce crime. Others point to research suggesting states that loosen concealed carry requirements have seen increases in certain gun related incidents.

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Whether anything changes remains to be seen. Even if the bills pass the House, they would still face a tough road in the Michigan Senate. For now, it is another issue people around Mid-Michigan are watching closely.