A package of permitless carry bills has moved to the Michigan Senate for further consideration, bringing the Great Lakes State one step closer to becoming the 13th in the nation to recognize residents’ Second Amendment right to carry a firearm for self-defense in the way they see fit.
The bills, HB 4416, HB 4417, HB 4418 and HB 4419, would eliminate the requirement to obtain a Concealed Pistol License in order to carry a concealed firearm. If passed, the bills would bring Michigan’s concealed-carry laws more in line with those governing open carry, which is allowed in many places without a permit. It would also fix a potential snare in current firearms law: If an otherwise law-abiding citizen is carrying openly without a license, then puts on a coat even temporarily, he or she has committed a felony.
As in other constitutional carry states, the current permitting structure will be retained so that those wishing to take advantage of reciprocity agreements with other states may continue to do so.
