Senate Bill 789, introduced by state Senator Mike Green (R-31), is important legislation that seeks to create a more efficient, consistent and expedient concealed pistol licensing system for the citizens in Michigan. SB 789 also creates a true “shall issue” licensing system for all statutorily eligible Michiganders.
SB 789 accomplishes this goal by eliminating county concealed weapon licensing boards as well as the discretionary licensing authority currently held by those boards. With the elimination of the county licensing boards, county clerks would administer the concealed weapon licensing process. Background checks that are statutorily required to obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) would be conducted by the Michigan State Police (MSP). However, the MSP would not retain the discretionary authority currently held by the county licensing boards since SB 789 mandates that all persons who statutorily qualify for a CPL (i.e. not prohibited under 28.425b and satisfy all financial and submission obligations) would receive a license.
Furthermore, SB 789 provides enhanced avenues for redressing licensing delays, wrongful denials and restoration of rights. Under SB 789, the county clerks and MSP have 45 days—beginning on the date fingerprints are taken—to either issue a CPL or provide a notice of disqualification. If the licensing authority fails to comply with the 45-day requirement, the individual’s fingerprint receipt and driver’s license will serve as a temporary license. For renewals, the expired license will serve as the temporary license. SB 789 also provides an avenue to appeal for wrongful denials and petitions for restoration of rights through circuit courts.
The Michigan Senate is expected to vote on SB 789 tomorrow, June 11. Please contact your state Senator and politely request they support this important CPL reform.
To identify your state Senator, please click here.
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