Michigan: House Judiciary Committee to Vote on Firearms Records Confidentiality Package Tomorrow

Tomorrow, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on House Bill 5324, House Bill 5325, House Bill 5326, House Bill 5327, House Bill 5328, House Bill 5329 and House Bill 4155, collectively referred to as the “Firearms Records Confidentiality Package.”

The Firearms Records Confidentiality Package seeks to clarify current laws regarding the licensing and registration of pistols.  Specifically, these bills aim to rework the current regulations regarding how firearms records are collected, used and accessed.  These bills reiterate that information contained in a firearms record is confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. They ensure that the only accepted disclosure of an individual’s firearms records information is limited to times when a peace officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the firearm was used in the commission of a crime, that the individual whose record is being accessed is a threat to himself, herself or other individuals, or when the safety of the peace officer is at issue.  These clarifications make firearms records subject to similar constitutional protections afforded by the Fourth Amendment.  The Firearms Records Confidentiality Package is an important step forward in keeping firearms records private and confidential.

Using the contact information provided below, please call AND e-mail members of the House Judiciary Committee TODAY and urge them to protect the privacy of responsible gun owners and sportsmen by voting for the Firearms Confidentiality Package tomorrow.

House Judiciary Committee:

Representative Kevin Cotter (R-99), Chairman
(517) 373-1789
[email protected]

Representative Klint Kesto (R-39), Majority Vice-Chairman
(517) 373-1799
[email protected]

Representative Phil Cavanagh (D-10), Minority Vice-Chairman
(517) 373-0857
[email protected]

Representative Kurt Heise (R-20)
(517) 373-3816
[email protected]

Representative Joel Johnson (R-97)
(517) 373-8962
[email protected]

Representative Andrea LaFontaine (R-32)
(517) 373-8931
[email protected]

Representative Tom Leonard (R-93)
(517) 373-1778
[email protected]

Representative Martin Howrylak (R-41)
(517) 373-1783
[email protected]

Representative Ellen Lipton (D-27)
(517) 373-0478
[email protected]

Representative Jeff Irwin (D-53)
(517) 373-2577
[email protected]

Representative Paul Clemente (D-14)
(517) 373-0140
[email protected]