Michigan: Legislation to Expand Concealed Carry and Eliminate Concealed Weapons Licensing Boards Approved by the state Senate, Sent to House

Yesterday, as the Michigan legislature works through the final weeks of its 2011-2012 session, the state Senate approved Senate Bill 59 by a vote of 27 to 11 (vote is on page 2307).  This bill was sent to the House where it has been assigned to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation.

This pro-Second Amendment reform legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Green (R-Mayville) would streamline the process for a concealed weapons license, while creating expanded carry zones in previously prohibited places for those who are willing to undergo enhanced training. Along with many other improvements, SB 59 would, if enacted, also eliminate concealed weapons licensing boards and instead assign the role of licensing authority to county sheriffs effective May 1, 2013. Further requirements to streamline and improve the license process include establishment of a system for refunds of fees, requirement of county sheriffs who maintain fingerprinting capability to provide reasonable access to fingerprinting services, and a requirement to either issue or deny the license within a 45-day period from the date of application.

The House Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation will need to consider this legislation in the next couple weeks, however, at this time the committee has not finalized its calendar. The NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on this and other Second Amendment issues in Michigan.