Michigan – -(Ammoland.com)- After Constitutional Carry legislation rapidly passed the Michigan House of Representatives this spring, putting Michigan well into the lead among neighboring states on this issue, many gun owners assumed it would become law by early fall.
Applications for new & renewal concealed pistol licenses dropped significantly this summer resulting in the first downturn in total statewide CPL numbers since 2001.
Now many people are asking, “What’s the hold up on Constitutional Carry?”
The short answer is Governor Snyder who is reluctant to sign any major gun reform measures into law.
While the votes exist in the Michigan Senate to pass a constitutional carry package, Senate leadership would be foolish to pass the bill without first reaching an agreement on language with Snyder as the governor is likely to veto the bill. This would kill the issue for the rest of the 2017-2018 session as the votes don’t exist in the House to override a veto. While it has always been an uphill battle to get constitutional carry signed into law this session, its chances of success are much better if a deal can be reached that doesn’t compromise the fundamentals of the legislation. That may not be until the lame duck session in late 2018. It may require waiting for a new governor.
The Wisconsin Senate, which is considering its own constitutional carry bill, is also experiencing opposition from Republican Governor Scott Walker. None of our other neighboring states have yet to consider constitutional carry legislation although Indiana may do so in the coming year.
The Benefits of Getting Your CPL Now
Regardless of the status of constitutional carry, it would be foolish for any Michigan gun owner to delay a CPL application or renewal due to the issue. Constitutional carry, which is better described as permitless carry, may not provide all the benefits of a concealed pistol license including but not limited to:
- Reciprocity with the great majority of other shall-issue states.
- The ability to by-pass purchase permits for private party pistol sales.
- The ability to borrow a pistol from its owner.
- An exemption from MCL 750.234d gun free zones. (Note these are broader than and not identical to the MCL 28.425o concealed pistol free zones).
Attempting to save money by delaying a pistol safety training course or not applying for a concealed pistol license could end up costing you dearly in the long run!
About:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.
Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation” Visit: www.mcrgo.org