Proposed Changes to Michigan Gun Use and Ownership Laws – February 2015
Recently, the Michigan House voted on a number of bills created to revise Michigan’s gun ownership and use laws. One of the many proposed changes now on its way to Governor Snyder for approval is the removal of air guns from firearms law. Referred to as the Air Gun Reclassification Package, this change would create a new regulatory category for “pneumatic guns” or air guns which differ from firearms as they use gas or air instead of an explosive to expel a projectile.
This is the second time this year already that the House has voted on proposed changes to firearm law in fact, in January, Governor Snyder vetoed a bill similar to this one. These bills also relate to changes in Michigan’s concealed weapons laws. Currently, a person who is applying for a concealed weapon in Michigan must appear before their local county gun board. The new changes would take the power out of the hands of a gun board and put them into the hands of the Michigan State Police. This legislation is meant to speed up the process of getting a concealed weapons permit. The legislation would require that the State Police process these background checks within 45 days.
Another change which received approval from the House and now on its way to Governor Snyder is a law which would allow certain active or retired corrections officers to carry weapons in an otherwise “weapon-free” zone.
Senate Bill 34 states:
A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled
“An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,”
Senate Bill 35 states:
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 11b of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11b), as amended by 2012 PA 124.
Just a few of the many issues which will be considered by Governor Snyder, if these bills once again fail, you can likely expect to see similar bills on the table again soon. Michigan gun laws and other laws are constantly evolving. As a gun owner, it is your responsibility to pay attention to any changes or amendments to Michigan gun law which may impact you.
