Legislative Report

Fingerprinting bill signed into law

Sheen bill eliminates needless renewal steps

Legislation to eliminate needless steps in the license renewal process to carry a concealed pistol was signed into law Wednesday, announced the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Fulton Sheen.

Currently, in order to receive a license to carry a concealed pistol (CPL), applicants undergo a thorough background check by providing fingerprints every time they renew a license. Public Act 456 eliminates the requirement to submit a new fingerprint every time a CPL is renewed. Fingerprints will be stored electronically by the Michigan State Police’s new Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which means that the next time an applicant renews will be the last time that they are required to submit fingerprints.

"I am very pleased we were able to work to put into law this common sense legislation that will use new technology to save time and resources for Michigan citizens as well as law enforcement agents," said Sheen, R-Plainwell. "PA 456 allows law enforcement agencies to fully utilize emerging AFIS technology while still maintaining the same degree of scrutiny, only now more efficiently. This law was requested by the state police, who are working diligently to store all fingerprints digitally."

Sheen said because of the new technology of the AFIS system, MSP can immediately identify when a CPL holder commits a crime due to instant electronic fingerprint comparison. To ensure the safety and reliability of the system, those with a CPL must still reapply for the permit every five years, though under PA 456, they will not have to resubmit fingerprints. MSP will also be able to use the renewal fees to maintain and update their new equipment, rather than pay the cost of physically obtaining the fingerprints.

Castle Doctrine Bills Explained

"CASTLE DOCTRINE" package of bills takes affect October 1

Both proponents and those opposed have called this controversial legislation many things. In an attempt to gain better understanding of this package of six separate bills that has been signed into law and takes affect October 1, 2006; Calhoun County Gun Owners Association is hosting Calhoun County´s Prosecuting Attorney John Hallacy and respected Battle Creek Attorney Joe Eldred to give their perspective on this legislation.

State Representative Rick Jones (R-71), the main sponsor & promoter of the package of bills will be in attendance to represent the legislator´s original intent.

This should be an extremely informative presentation. Bring your questions and join in the discussion

Castle Doctrine Signed!

Great Lakes Shooting Sports would like to thank State Representatives Jones, Casperson, Mortimer & Moore and Senators Cropsey & Jelinek for all their hard work and cooperation in putting this package of bills together popularly known as the "Castle Doctrine". We also thank Governor Granholm for signing and supporting the law abiding firearm owners of Michigan.

GLSSA has worked with Representative Rick Jones, GLSSA´s 2005 Legislator of the Year and also a GLSSA member, the main sponsor of the "Castle Doctrine". Additionally GLSSA sponsored several public forums about this legislation around Michigan. It has been very interesting listening to the questions citizens have about the use of firearms in self- defense situations. Representative Jones says; "I want to thank the GLSSA legislative committee, and your thousands of members, for all their hard work at getting this passed".

Bill inspired by Dr. Sweet passed by Legislature

Home safety falls into governor´s hands

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Rick Jones to protect law-abiding Michigan residents was sent to the governor today. The legislation gives Michigan residents the right to use force to defend themselves and their families, when facing imminent death, great bodily harm or rape at the hands of a violent criminal.

Jones said his bill clarifies the law on self-defense and makes it clear that law abiding citizens cannot be prosecuted or sued civilly for defending themselves.

"One of America´s most basic values is the right to protect oneself and their families," said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. "This will give every resident in Michigan the confidence to know that they can act to defend themselves and their family without threat of repercussion. The House and the senate have done the right thing by passing the bills; now it is in the governor's hands."

The legislation eliminates the duty of law-abiding citizens to retreat and establishes a presumption that a criminal who breaks and enters or car jacks intends to cause death, great bodily harm or rape. In addition, the bills make anyone who lawfully defends themselves immune from civil liability, and make it clear that they cannot be prosecuted.

"In 33 years of law enforcement, I saw many victims of crime," Jones said. "This important package of bills protects crime victims and allows citizens to defend themselves, their spouse and their children from imminent death or rape."

The inspiration for the bill came from the historical account of Dr. Ossian Sweet´s 1925 trial defending his home against the Ku Klux Klan in Michigan. The case began in 1925 when Ossian Sweet, a Detroit doctor and grandson of slaves, moved his family to a neighborhood where they would be the only black family. This enraged the Ku Klux Klan, who and surrounded his home yelling insults and racial slurs. Some of the crowd rushed and shots were fired from the house. One man was killed and another was injured. Dr. Sweet was charged with murder and eventually acquitted.

So you say it's your birthday?!

Some of you will think that this is a good bill and a convenience. Others have questioned the need for it at all and don't necessarily want to deal with any more licenses that expire on their birthday. However, Representative Hildenbrand's HB 4977 has been signed by the Governor and takes immediate effect. So, CPL's that are issued from now on will expire on your birthday.

You may remember that Representative Hildenbrand had another bill HB 4978 that among other things put Michigan's law in compliance with Federal standards and therefore, qualified our CPL's as a NICS Alternative. HB 4977 originally contained language that your CPL issued on or after July 1, 2006 is valid until the applicant's date of birth that falls not less than 5 years or more than 6 years after the license is issued. In our research of the federal governments standards for NICS exemption, one requirement is that the CPL is not issued for a period longer than five years. GLSSA asked Representative Hildenbrand to check with the Attorney General, Mike Cox to see if this would disqualify Michigan's CPL's again as a NICS Alternative. It was agreed that it would and Rep Hildenbrand had the language changed to a license to carry a concealed pistol issued on or after July 1, 2006 is valid until the applicant's date of birth that falls not less than 4 years or more than 5 years after the license is issued. So, if you have been tracking the progress of this bill and expecting a free bonus extension, that has been eliminated. But, it is my opinion, the NICS Exemption is well worth such a small price.

Castle Doctrine bill passes House

Law-abiding Michigan residents who actually and reasonably believe they are facing imminent death, great bodily harm or rape at the hands of a violent criminal are justified in using force to defend themselves and their families. They are no longer required to retreat from a violent attacker in their own home under a package of bills sponsored and spearheaded by state Rep. Rick Jones. The measures were approved today by the Michigan House of Representatives.

"One of Michigan´s most basic values is that a person´s home is their castle," said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. "This legislation makes it clear that not only do you have the right to stand your ground and defend yourself, but you will not be prosecuted or sued for defending yourself or your family in your own home."

The "castle doctrine" is enshrined as a sacred right in English common law. It holds if you´re wrongfully threatened or attacked in your home, you may meet force with force.

"One inspiration for this law is the historical account of Dr. Ossian Sweet´s 1925 trial for defending his home against the Ku Klux Klan in Michigan," Jones said. "His attorney, Clarence Darrow, successfully used the ´castle doctrine´ to defend Dr. Sweet from prosecution for murder."

House Bills 5142-43 eliminates the duty of law-abiding citizens to retreat in a home or occupied vehicle and establishes a presumption that a criminal who forcibly enters intends to cause death, great bodily harm, or rape. House Bill 5548 would amend current law to make anyone who lawfully defends themselves would be immune from civil liability. House Bill 5153 creates immunity from criminal prosecution.

"This will prevent criminals or their families from suing victims for injury or death," Jones said. "It´s common sense and good law."

Jones says this law is necessary to protect the law-abiding.

"As a former sheriff, I can tell you there are times when action needs to be taken before it is physically possible for law enforcement to get there," Jones said. "This will give the average resident in Michigan the confidence to know that they can act to defend their life and their family without threat of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution."

The provisions of the legislation do not cover persons engaging in criminal acts.

The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

GLSSA SUPPORT: Wayne Groth, Chairman of the Legislative Committee and Political Action Committee of GLSSA testified in support of this package of bills before the House Judiciary Committee along with the National Rifle Association and several other Michigan firearms organizations. As firearms owners, we presented a united front and it is with great pleasure that we announce that all of the bills in this package passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority (all of them passed by at least 90 to 16) in the same manner in which they passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. This package of bills now goes to the Senate where the package is expected to receive similar treatment. Now is the time to contact your State Senators, especially State Senator Mark Schauer who is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Schauer´s number is (517) 373-2426

Legislative Update 01/11/2007

This report will deal primarily with Legislative activity during "lame duck" portion of the last "2005-2006" session.

HB 5217 Rep. Scott Hummel (R-93). There was a lot of careful and controversial debate over this very important piece of legislation which protects the privacy rights of all CPL applicants by exempting the information contained in your application from FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). This will ensure that only those who need to know such information will have access to it.

It has been signed by the Governor and took immediate effect of 9-19-2006. GLSSA supported this legislation.

HB 5408 Rep. Tim Moore (R-97) Occasionally gun owners transporting their firearms found themselves in violation of Michigan’s game laws if they didn’t have a hunting license. This bill codified and clarified legal use and transportation of firearms (and other hunting weapons) that does not require a hunting license.

This bill passed out of the House back in March 2006 and was sent to the Senate Natural Resources Committee where it languished until September 2006 and an end of session flurry of work got the bill passed out of the Senate and the Governor signed the bill. It took immediate effect as of 11-9-06. GLSSA supported this bill.

HB 4042 Rep. Fulton Sheen (R-88) This bill is pretty straight forward. It waves the requirement for fingerprinting on CPL renewals.

I want to make a short comment here, the issue of adjusting CPL renewal fees was not addressed in this bill and I suspect that there is the notion that they will continue to collect the same renewal fee and keep the money for fingerprinting that is not being done. Watch for this issue to be taken up in the future.

HB 6363 & 6364 Rep. Scott Hummel (R-93) Hurricane Katrina was the wake-up call. Louisiana’s Governor and the Mayor of New Orleans used special powers granted to them while a state of disaster or emergency had been declared to confiscate firearms and declare only police and military could possess guns. These two bills make it clear that Michigan Law under a state of disaster or emergency does not authorize the seizure or confiscation of lawfully possessed firearms or ammunition. The bills have been signed by the Governor and took immediate effect. GLSSA supported this legislation.

So far, for the 2007-2008 session, there hasn’t been a lot of activity on firearm related legislation, as the budget seems to be getting most of the attention. There have been a few bills actually introduced that are of interest to gun owners.

House Bills HB 4490 & 4491 along with Senate Bills SB 370 & 371 have been introduced with the intention of eliminating the post-purchase "safety inspection" requirement on hand guns.

Michigan is one of just a few states that require handgun registration and registration is really what we are talking about not a "safety inspection". This is a very interesting concept and GLSSA will be keeping track of any developments or progress on these bills.

Senate Bill 119 would enact firearms storage requirements and provide for penalties if those storage requirements were violated.

While GLSSA certainly is in favor of safe storage of firearms we don’t want to see a situation where a firearm owner could be held liable for the criminal actions of another (even if that other person is a minor). We will keep a close eye on any further action concerning this legislation.

House Bill 4407 would legalize fox & coyote hunting from a tree stand, scaffold or platform. GLSSA supports this legislation.

House Bill 4554 Talking with the bills sponsor, the intent of this legislation is to codify that "replica" black powders and smokeless powder used in modern muzzle loading rifles can be used in circumstances where black powder muzzle loading rifles can be used to take game. GLSSA supports the intent of this legislation

The last two-year session in the legislature saw a lot of activity that was very important to all of us who have an interest in the shooting sports. Most of this activity was "below" the radar of the mainstream media and you probably would have not known about it except for information sources like this newsletter and our informed members. While the "Castle Doctrine" Legislation was quite controversial and made the news, I think many of the other bills that we have reported on will affect you personally as much or more than the high pro-file legislation. It is my sincere hope that our GLSSA members appreciate what we are doing and will continue with membership in the association. To keep us strong, encourage your friends and family to join also. The more members we have, the stronger our association is, which means we can do more for you.

Wayne Groth
President

Legislative Update 3/17/06

HB 4186 Sponsored by Representative Tory Rocca R-30 This is the bill which allows you to renew your license early without loosing the time left on your old license. As reported in the last issue this bill had passed through the House and Senate and was awaiting the governors signature. Governor signed the bill in December 2005 and it takes immediate effect. GLSSA supported this bill.

HB 4978 Sponsored by Representative Hildenbrand R-86 This bill has already been signed by the Governor and took immediate effect as we reported last issue. Remember, this is the bill that I told you you would probably not even notice because it doesn´t change the way things are done but it put Michigan´s law in compliance with Federal requirements? Elsewhere in this issue you will read in the interview with Attorney General Mike Cox about a possible change that you would notice! It may exempt CPL holders from the required NICS Check when purchasing a firearm (handgun, rifle or shotgun). GLSSA supported this bill.

HB 4642 Sponsored by Representative Jones R-71 This bill will allow CPL holders to carry, possess, use or transport a pistol belonging to another individual so long as it is properly registered. This bill has passed out of the House & Senate and awaits the Governors consideration. GLSSA supports this bill.

HB 4643 Sponsored by Representative Jones R-71 This bill will extend your CPL for up to one hundred and eighty days if the gun board fails to renew your license within 60 days. This bill was amended in the Senate Judiciary Committee so is sent back to the House of Representatives for concurrence which is expected soon then will go to the Governor for her consideration. GLSSA supports this bill.

HB 5192 Sponsored by Representative Hummel R-93 At last report the DNR asked Rep. Hummel to consider input that the DNR had concerning this bill. That has been done, the result is substitute H-1. This bill would reduce the minimum age for firearm deer, bear or elk hunting license from 14 years old to 12 years old and would establish an apprentice hunting license program. January 26 substitute H-1 was reported out of the Conservation Committee with recommendation and awaits consideration in the House. GLSSA supports this bill.

HB 5408 Sponsored by Representative Moore R-97 Currently under the game laws, owners of firearms, crossbows, and bows and arrows are prohibited from transporting them without having a hunting license in their possession. These game laws are at odds with other laws allowing the transport of firearms under certain conditions. For instance, a gun owner taking a gun to a shop for repair or to a range for target practice (which is legal) could violate the game laws unless they had a hunting license. Representative Moore´s bill would reconcile the rights of gun owners to transport their firearms (legally) without a hunting license. On March 9 the Conservation Committee approved HB 5408 with recommendation it goes to the full House for their consideration. GLSSA supports this bill.

HB 4522 Sponsored by Representative Sheltrown D-103 This is the bill that would exempt honorably discharged veterans from some of the training requirements currently required to get a CPL. As you know, I testified in opposition to this bill in the House Conservation Committee. With the Legislatures strong desire to show favor to our brave veterans, this bill had overwhelming support from the House of Representatives which made it seem difficult to slow this bill down and have the concerns GLSSA has had about it addressed. At the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing, February 22, 2006, Lee Zeidler, a veteran with 15 years active duty as well as being a NRA certified instructor had the same concerns with this bill. He did an excellent job articulating those concerns to the committee members. My testimony followed his. I pointed out that his testimony covered the same areas of concern that GLSSA has had all along and the detrimental affect HB 4522 might have on reciprocal agreements Michigan enjoys with other states. After answering a few more questions from some of the committee members, Senator Cropsey announced that the committee would not be voting on HB 4522 that day. It would appear that the concerns we have with this bill will be looked at closely by the Senate Judiciary Committee. GLSSA remains opposed to this bill.

AG Opinion #7189 Authority of concealed weapon licensing boards to diagnose mental illness Not just anyone can ask for an opinion of the Attorney General. Most often when someone feels they need an opinion rendered they go through either their State Representative or State Senator. In this instance, the request came through State Representative Fred Miller D-31 and the question asked is: Does a county concealed weapon licensing board have the power to interpret medical and other records in order to make a diagnosis of mental illness when reviewing an application for a license to carry a concealed pistol?

There have been a few gun boards who have in affect assumed this special authority and denied some applicants their license. A few of those that have been denied have hired competent legal council and challenged those denials at significant personal expense. Who knows how many just took NO for an answer? I believe this opinion should clarify the limitations of the power of the gun boards and it should reduce the number of denials based on less than clear and convincing evidence. The AG´s Opinion is as follows: The Concealed Pistol Licensing Act, MCL 28.421 et seq. does not confer on a county concealed weapon licensing board the power to make its own medical diagnosis of mental illness in the course of determining an applicant´s eligibility for licensure under that act. However, a county licensing board has the authority to review records and other evidence in the course of fulfilling its responsibility to determine whether an applicant for a concealed pistol license has been diagnosed with a mental illness at the time the application is made.

If you want to read the entire opinion go to Michigan.gov/ag/ click on AG Opinion on the left, scroll down to Click Here to Search Opinions in the middle of the page, Scroll down to Locate Opinion Number and enter 7189 and search.

It´s my opinion that this Attorney General, Mike Cox, has been a very good friend of gun owners in protecting their gun rights. If you get the chance you should tell him thanks for doing a great job.

SB 1046 Sponsored by Senator Alan Cropsey R-33 This bill is the Senate´s version of the ´Castle Doctrine". To say that it is a controversial issue would be an understatement. It looks to me like the Senate version will dovetail with the Jones/Casperson HB 5142 & 5143 House versions. Hopefully, with both the House and the Senate working on this issue simultaneously it will increase the likelihood of passing legislation yet this year that will be usefully and meaningful for law abiding citizens.

Wayne & Sue Groth
12461 15 1/2 Mile Road
Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-6993
Sue@Byegone.com

Legislative Update 2/22/06

The Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing yesterday had a full agenda. The meeting ran a little over three hours. The hearing was very well attended by both pro-gun and anti-gun groups.

First up on the agenda was Representative Sheltrown´s bill to exempt veterans from the training requirements for a CPL (HB 4522). With the momentum of the overwhelming support this bill got in the House made it seem difficult to slow this bill down and get any attention to the concerns we have had with this bill all along.

I am happy to report though, that we are not alone in our concerns. Lee Zeidler, who I met only last Saturday at the Mason Gun Show, came to the hearing with a very well prepared and articulated testimony that covered everything I wanted to say myself. He, being a veteran with 15 years active duty plus being a certified NRA instructor, really got the attention of the committee members. My testimony followed Zeidler´s and I pointed out that his testimony covered the same areas of concern that GLSSA has had all along and re-emphasized the lack of civil liability training from the military and pointed out once again the detrimental affect HB 4522 might have on reciprocal agreements with other states.

Still, it seemed in our opinion, too much of a gamble to take. After a few questions from some of the committee members, Sen. Cropsey said to me that the committee will not be voting on HB 4522 today. They had too many concerns to be addressed. So once again, we have at least slowed the progress of this bill.

The Jones bills (HB 4642 & 4643), they sailed through almost uneventfully. It appears that HB 4643 will have an amendment requiring the applicant for renewal to apply at least 2 months before their expiration date. Since that was the idea anyway, I don´t see a problem with that amendment.

The balance of the meeting was given to testimony on SB 1046 Sen. Cropsey´s Senate version of "Castle Doctrine". There was again strong and articulate testimony in favor of SB 1046 which took only a reasonable amount of time.

The rest of the meeting dragged on and on and on and on with the ridiculous whining about how bad the gun crime problem is in Detroit. Moms brought their babies apparently to show the committee members who they are trying to defend from this terrible legislation. Frankly, it was a bunch of crap that didn´t make any sense at all. It was amazing how patient Sen. Cropsey was at listening to their whole story, waited for them to finish and then very courteously explained that this legislation would have no effect one way another on their concerns. You would think it would dampen the enthusiasm of the next person to testify but they just kept coming. Sue and I had a hard time not groaning out loud. It is absolutely amazing how these people are completely convinced that laws designed to protect only law abiding citizens who are forced by a criminal to use a gun in self defense is somehow going to make it legal for the gang bangers & thugs to start shooting people legally. I don´t know - it makes me feel like the AFLAC Duck.

Wayne E Groth
GLSSA - Legislative & PAC Director
CCGOA - Chairman
NRA - Life
WayneG@glssa.org

Representative Rick Jones!!

Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association activists Gary Sowers (left), and Wayne Groth (right), present Representative Rick Jones (center), the 2005 GLSSA Legislator of the Year Award

Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association

Wayne Groth - Legislative & PAC Director

PO Box 87, Marshall MI 49068

269-781-6993

Changes are in green and bold!

HB 4977 Birthday Expiration of C.P.L. Introduced by Representative Hildenbrand was approved by the House Conservation Committee on 9-8-05 and sent to the House of Representatives with Recommendation. If passed by the House & Senate then Governor Granholm; CPL´s issued after July 1, 2006 would expire on your birthday five years later. Should be easier to remember to renew your C.P.L. 9-15 passed out of the House and now referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee with 102 Yeas and 0 Nays.

HB 4978 Sponsored by Representative Hildenbrand was also passed out of the Conservation Committee with Recommendation on 9-8-05. This bill should not make any noticeable change in the processing of concealed pistol licenses or a license to purchase a pistol. It is a technical change from executive policy rules to Michigan Law. This will put Michigan in compliance with Federal Law. It also appears that this change will help our Attorney General negotiate reciprocal agreements with other states. 9-15 passed out of the House and now referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee with 103 Yeas and 0 Nays. 11-25 Signed by Governor, takes immediate affect..

HB 4643 Introduced by Representative Rick Jones this bill requires the concealed weapon licensing board to issue a renewal license within 60 days or grant an automatic extension until the board can meet. Some gun boards are taking 9 to 10 months to renew a license. This law will prevent that practice. If you apply for a renewal 2 months before your license runs out, you should never be without a concealed pistol license. This bill passed the house and on August 31 was sent to the Judiciary Committee. We should be calling our Senators to ask them to support this bill as it moves to the Senate now.

HB 4642 Introduced by Representative Rick Jones. This bill allows a CPL holder to carry or transport anyone´s registered pistol. Currently you may not even carry your spouse´s pistol. Under this law you could borrow a friend´s gun to go hunting, etc. This bill was on its third reading in the House September 8. Mention this bill to your Senator also. The Senate will be considering it soon. 9-13 passed out of the House and now referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee with 102 Yeas and 5 Nays.

HB 4522 Sponsored by Rep. Joel Sheltrown. Brief Summary: the bill would waive the firearm training requirements for a concealed weapons permit for individuals who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces. Wayne Groth, Legislative Director of GLSSA testified in Committee (Conservation) against HB 4522 because GLSSA could not find a definable minimum level of firearms training for all military personal. Talking with many veterans who are currently CPL holders, they said their training in the military was not adequate or appropriate to be licensed to carry a concealed pistol as a civilian. Many veterans never received training in the use of handguns but only rifles. Add to that the fact that military rules of engagement differ considerably from the civil liability governing the use of deadly force for self-protection.

Our Attorney General has worked very hard in negotiating reciprocity agreements with other states that allow Michigan CPL holders to carry while in those states. We believe such a drastic change in the requirements for licensure here in Michigan would jeopardize both current agreements or any in the future with other states.

While GLSSA appreciates all our veterans and would like to give them every favor possible and we can understand our elected officials wanting to do so also, we cannot in good conscience support this bill. After talking to many veterans, explaining in detail our reasons for not supporting HB 4522, so far almost all have agreed and support our position.

The bill was passed out of committee with an agreement that the bill would be amended on the House Floor. It appears that the first offering for an amendment only requires the veteran to sign an affidavit stating that they have received adequate training in the use of handguns. GLSSA´s opinion is that this will not be definable enough to show other states that our requirements in Michigan will be adequate or compatible with other states requirements. The bill is still in the House.

HB 5142 & HB 5143 Sponsored by Rep. Tom Casperson & Rep. Rick Jones will establish a presumption that a criminal who forcibly enters or intrudes in your home or occupied vehicle is there to cause death or great bodily harm. The measures will also remove the duty to retreat if you are attacked and prohibited criminal or civil prosecution for using authorized force to defend life. Both bills were referred to the Committee on Judiciary on September 7.

Legislative News

Summer usually is the time when legislators are back in their own districts meeting with constituents and maybe spending some time with their family on vacation. This year, while somewhat abbreviated, there has been a lot of summer activity in Lansing.

Late in June the House Committee on Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation held hearings on three bills.

HB 4642 This bill sponsored by Rep. Rick Jones (a GLSSA member) would allow a CPL holder to carry or transport their spouses legally registered pistol.

This bill was amended in committee to state that a CPL holder could carry or transport a legally registered pistol belonging to another. GLSSA testified in favor of this bill. It was passed out of committee for consideration of the House.

HB 4643 This bill sponsored by Rep. Rick Jones would require concealed weapons licensing board to issue or deny issuance of a renewal license within 60 days or the original is extended for 180 days or until a renewal license is issued or denied.

This bill was amended in committee to require that the applicant carry with his expired CPL the receipt from the County Clerk showing he has applied for renewal. GLSSA testified in favor of this bill. It was passed out of committee and was sent to the House for consideration. Good News! On July 13, 2005 HB 4643 passed on the House Floor (yea´s 100 - nay´s 5). It now moves to the Senate.

HB 4522 This bill sponsored by Rep. Joel Sheltrown would exempt veterans from the training requirement for a concealed pistol license.

GLSSA recommended to the committee that they not approve HB 4522. As stated in an earlier GLSSA newsletter (Volume 2/Issue 2/2005) while we support our veterans this may not be a good idea. Many veterans do not have training with handguns nor do they have the legal training concerning the use of lethal force in Michigan by civilians. The reciprocity Michigan enjoys with other states could also be jeopardized by waving this required training.

This bill did pass out of committee with the understanding that it would be amended on the Floor of the House of Representatives. GLSSA continues to communicate with the several offices involved with this process. Such as Rep. Sheltrown, Speaker DeRoche and the House Republican Caucus. We will keep our members informed of any further development.

This is the first newsletter since I have been GLSSA´s Legislative & PAC Director and there are many other bills being considered by our Legislature. Another issue that has had a lot of attention lately is the misuse of Air Soft Guns. There is legislation being considered to try and alleviate this problem. The discussion and debate continues.

I want to thank all the other GLSSA members that comprise our "Legislative Committee", I won´t name them by name at this point (I haven´t their permission) but they know who they are. As a team we have expertise and experience in many areas, and that allows us to interact with all branches of our government. Although we are volunteers for GLSSA it is our hope we do a "professional" job for all GLSSA members, indeed for all Michigan citizens. So on behalf of our team, let me say, thank you for letting us serve.

Wayne Groth
Legislative & PAC Director

These are the current proposed bills that GLSSA is following. Some are good, some not. GLSSA representatives will be working with the legislators to help the good ones and stop the bad ones.

Bills or Resolutions: (SB = Senate Bill, HB = House Bill)

Representative Dan Acciavatti!!

GLSSA is proud to award Representative Dan Acciavatti the 2004 GLSSA Legislator of the Year Award.  Rep. Acciavatti sponsored the Antique Firearm Bill that was the first major pro gun legislation to be passed into law in the past two years!

Congratulations!