The text for House Bill 4416, the main bill in the constitutional concealed carry package introduced this past week in the Michigan House of Representatives can be found HERE. The bill is straightforward. It simply repeals the requirement to have a license to carry concealed in Michigan. It does not address pistol free zones or registration. We anticipate future bills on those issues this legislative session.
Article 1, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution states that “Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.” Currently that constitutional right only protects open carry. A license is required in Michigan to carry concealed. HB 4416 would treat concealed carry the same way open carry is today. Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses would still be available for those who want them for other reasons such as out-of-state carry with reciprocity, etc.
While MCRGO’s board has yet to take a position on these brand new bills, the board has voted to support the concept of constitutional concealed carry. Despite the “blood in the streets” fears, there is no evidence in states that have already adopted constitutional concealed carry that there has been an increase in the number of unjustified shootings as a percentage of the total number of people carrying outside the home. By helping to increase the number of people carrying legally for self defense, constitutional concealed carry could contribute to fewer violent crimes in our state.
Similarly, states that have passed constitutional concealed carry haven’t seen a decrease in the number of people taking pistol safety training. Instructors in those states have reported an increase in the number of people taking classes as more people become interested in affordable concealed carry for self-defense.
The prospects for constitutional concealed carry this legislative session are admittedly difficult. But we are optimistic. The tide has shifted in favor of constitutional concealed carry with a growing number of states eliminating past restrictions similar to the wave of states that passed shall-issue concealed carry over the past 25 years. While the legislative process may be slow moving, the governor hesitant on gun law reform, and the media unfriendly, we have been through all this before and prevailed.
Now is the time to start contacting your state representative in support of constitutional concealed carry. You can do so HERE.
