AMGOA Staff
Pennsylvania


Posts: 1,427

A package of bills backed by Republicans to allow law-abiding Michigan residents to carry concealed handguns without a permit passed a key House committee Tuesday.

The measures, HB 4416, 4417, 4418, and 4419 by Reps. Hoitenga, Hornberger, Allor, and Cole, won approval from the House Judiciary Committee 6-4. The sponsors argue open carry without a permit or training is already legal in the state.

"It only becomes illegal when someone puts on a coat, because the gun then becomes concealed," said Rep. Michelle Hoitenga, R-Manton, in lengthy testimony earlier this month to the committee. "One millimeter of clothing makes a difference between a criminal act and a legal act. My question is, why are law abiding citizens paying expensive fees for courses and permits to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms?"

The bills would repeal a host of Michigan's laws that require training and a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm. They do not eliminate the state's permitting system for those who wish to obtain a $105 license to carry to take advantage of existing out-of-state reciprocity agreements. Those currently unable to possess a firearm by law would still be barred from carrying.

http://www.guns.com/2017/05/31/michigan-constitutional-carry-bills-advance-to-house-floor/