A package of bills was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives this week that could make Michigan the 13th state in the nation to allow “permitless” carry.
The bills, HB4416-HB4419, would eliminate penalties for those carrying concealed handguns without a permit, thereby liberating the self-defense decisions of law-abiding citizens in the Wolverine state from the bounds of government-mandated time delays and taxes. (The current permitting structure would remain in place for those wishing to carry openly in some restricted areas or take advantage of Michigan’s reciprocity agreements.)
In response to opposition from anti-gunners, Rep. Triston Cole points out the bills won’t allow anyone currently prohibited from carrying a gun the right to do so, and “have no impact on the protections already in place to prevent criminals from purchasing handguns.” As Rep. Michele Hoitenga points out, rather than give criminals an advantage, the package actually eliminates one: “Criminals don’t complete the permitting process before they commit a crime, and it’s time we level the playing field for lawful people …”
