Michigan House Judiciary Committee to Consider Repeal of Handgun Permit-to-Purchase and Registration
The Michigan House Judiciary Committee is reviewing an important and long-overdue bill that would eliminate the state handgun “permit-to-purchase” and registration requirements. Although a date has not been announced, House Bill 5225 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee sometime after the spring recess.
HB 5225, introduced by state Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), would abolish the bureaucratic “permit to purchase” handguns which became obsolete when the National Instant Criminal Background Check System went into effect in 1998. Under the current state system, gun buyers must apply with their local law enforcement agency and pass a written test before being authorized to buy a handgun. This “permit” is valid for only one gun and it expires after ten days. Since 1998, federal law has required a national criminal records check for the purchase of any firearm from any gun dealer in every state.
The NRA has been working diligently to repeal this antiquated and unnecessary obstacle to gun owners and has coordinated with several state Representatives to produce new language for HB 5225. Two companion bills are also moving through the House: House Bill 5498, sponsored by state Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-18), and House Bill 5499, sponsored by state Representative Ray Franz (R-101).
This important pro-Second Amendment legislation will be heard before the House Judiciary Committee, most likely in mid-April. NRA-ILA will keep you updated as details become available.
In the meantime, please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support HB 5225. Their contact information is provided here.
