News

From SCOTUSblog.com:

After a hiatus of 68 years, the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to rule on the meaning of the Second Amendment — the hotly contested part of the Constitution that guarantees “a right to keep and bear arms.” Not since 1939 has the Court heard a case directly testing the Amendment’s scope — and there is a debate about whether it actually decided anything in that earlier ruling. In a sense, the Court may well be writing on a clean slate if, in the end, it decides the ultimate question: does the Second Amendment guarantee an individual right to have a gun for private use, or does it only guarantee a collective right to have guns in an organized military force such as a state National Guard unit?

The city of Washington’s appeal (District of Columbia v. Heller, 07-290) is expected to be heard in March — slightly more than a year after the D.C. Circuit Court ruled that the right is a personal one, at least to have a gun for self-defense in one’s own home. (The Court took no action on Tuesday on a conditional cross-petition, Parker, et al., v. District of Columbia, 07-335, an appeal by five District residents seeking to join in the case. The absence of any action may mean that the Court has decided not to hear that case. If that is so, it will be indicated in an order next Monday. The Court also may simply be holding the case until it decides the Heller case.)

The Justices chose to write out for themselves the constitutional question they will undertake to answer in Heller. Both sides had urged the Court to hear the city’s case, but they had disagreed over how to frame the Second Amendment issue.

Here is the way the Court phrased the granted issue:

"Whether the following provisions — D.C. Code secs. 7-2502.02(a)(4), 22-4504(a), and 7-2507.02 — violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes?"

The first listed section bars registration of pistols if not registered before Sept. 24, 1976; the second bars carrying an unlicensed pistol, and the third requires that any gun kept at home must be unloaded and disassembled or bound by a lock, such as one that prevents the trigger from operating.

The Court did not mention any other issues that it might address as questions of its jurisdiction to reach the ultimate question: did the one individual who was found to have a right to sue — Dick Anthony Heller, a D.C. resident – have a right to challenge all three of the sections of the local law cited in the Court’s order, and, is the District of Columbia, as a federal enclave, even covered by the Second Amendment. While neither of those issues is posed in the grant order, the Court may have to be satisfied that the answer to both is affirmative before it would move on to the substantive question about the scope of any right protected by the Amendment.

Our thanks to James Simmons, Attorney at Law, for notifying GLSSA's members of the Supreme Court's decision to hear this important case.

Cox Signs Amicus Brief in Support of Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today signed an amicus brief supporting an individual's right under the Second Amendment to own a gun. The Second Amendment of the Constitution provides that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

"The ability of citizens to bear arms is a fundamental American right that must be protected," said Cox. "I will continue to protect the rights of Michigan’s responsible gun owners."

Under a 2003 law passed in the District of Columbia, the D.C. City Council made it a crime for any resident to possess a handgun or an assembled long gun in their home unless they are member of the District of Columbia Militia. Six residents challenged this law, arguing that the Second Amendment gave them a right to possess a firearm for the protection of their homes.

In 2004, the federal District court in D.C. disagreed. It concluded that the Second Amendment provides no right to an individual to "bear arms separate and apart from service in the Militia" and upheld the Washington D.C. law. The residents have appealed this decision to the Washington, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Attorney General on behalf of the State of Michigan has signed onto the amicus brief filed in support of these residents along with 13 other states in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The brief supports the right of an individual right to keep and bear arms. Consistent with this principle, the Michigan Constitution independently secures this right, guaranteeing that "every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state." Mich Const 1963, art I, § 6.

On a separate note, I want to say how thankful I am to be allowed to work with the Attorney General's Office on a volunteer, activist basis in matters of CCW reciprocity and to be allowed to be one of the first to see press releases such as this one. It allows me to keep in constant contact with the gun owners of Michigan who are active in protecting our rights. If you know someone who has not signed up for our valuable e-mail alerts, let them know that this is where they can get this kind of great information at www.southsidesportsmanclub.com and enter their name and e-mail address.

In Liberty,
Joel E. Fulton

Southside Sportsman Club
539 Capital Avenue SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-968-4229

Castle Doctrine Passes!

The package of "Castle Doctrine" bills passed out of the Michigan Senate June 6 with 28 Yeas and 10 Nays. They now move to the House for coinsurance and then on to the Governor. Now is the time to write the Governor a letter, be courteous and ask her to sign the "Castle Doctrine" bills.

Governor Jennifer Granholm
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-3400

Senate committee approves bill to protect those attacked at home

Law-abiding Michigan residents could soon have the right to use force to defend themselves and their families, if they actually and reasonably believe themselves to be facing imminent death, great bodily harm or rape at the hands of a violent criminal with the Castle Doctrine passed through Senate Judiciary late this afternoon.

Citizens would no longer be required to retreat from violent attackers, under this proposed package now going to the full Senate. The package of bills, sponsored and spearheaded by state Rep. Rick Jones, passed by a vote of 5-2 through the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

“This is a step forward for the right for Michigan citizens to defend themselves,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “It is our inherent right as citizens to defend ourselves, our spouses and our children. One of Michigan’s most basic values is that of a person’s home is their castle. 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.”

Jones says this law is necessary to protect the law-abiding and ensure that victims rights are protected. “It is my duty as a legislator to protect the rights of the law-abiding citizens of Michigan,” Jones said.

Attorney General Mike Cox announces BATFE approval for using Michigan CPL instead of NICS.

Michigan State Attorney General Mike Cox is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has approved AG Cox's request to allow the Michigan Concealed Pistol License as an alternative to the NICS check when purchasing a firearm from an FFL dealer using the ATF Form 4473. This ruling becomes effective on Friday, March 24, 2006. Please note that "Temporary Licenses" will NOT be considered an alternative to the NICS check. In addition, this will only apply to CPL licenses that were issued after November 22, 2005, the date when the new procedural law for background checks on CPL licenses took effect (HB 4978 or Public Act 242 of 2005). It should also be noted that this alternative to the NICS check is not just limited to handgun purchases, but applies to long gun purchases as well!

GLSSA Legislative Chairs Wayne and Sue Groth meet NRA President Sandra S. Froman!

"NRA President Sandra S. Froman meeting with GLSSA Legislative Chairs Wayne & Sue Groth in Lansing last week. Sandra said; "I have heard of you two, what great grassroots work you do!" to Wayne and Sue. They replied; "The NRA does great work also!"

Inner-city residents favor legislation more than rural residents

State Rep. Rick Jones today announced a poll taken this month that demonstrates overwhelming support for giving law-abiding Michigan residents the confidence to stand their ground and use force if necessary to defend their family from a violent attacker.

According to a poll commissioned by Bill Ballenger, editor of the newsletter, Inside Michigan Politics, 71 percent of Michigan residents favor Jones’ legislation. Only 19 percent were opposed to the measure.

The poll, which has a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percent, was taken from a pool of 600 residents between Sept. 16 and 21.

“This is really about codifying an idea that has been developed by case law over the years,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “The idea that a person’s home is their castle is a sacred right in English common law. It is meant to protect people from imminent death or rape.”

Urban residents favored “Castle Doctrine” legislation at a higher rate than rural residents. Jones said it was appropriate considering it was Detroit Dr. Ossian Sweet’s defense of his home against the Ku Klux Klan in 1925 that inspired Jones to sponsor the measure.

“People from all across Michigan know that there is something fundamentally wrong with a violent criminal being able to sue for injuries sustained from the victim’s act of self defense,” Jones said. “This will give residents the confidence to know that they can act to defend their life, their family and their homes without threat of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution. That’s why my bill does NOT protect parties to a criminal act, such as a drug dealer.”

House Bills 5142-43 will establish a presumption that a criminal who forcibly enters a 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 prohibit criminal or civil prosecution for using force to defend life. Jones stresses that this is not about guns, but protecting law-abiding residents from opportunistic criminals.

“Locally we had a woman sued because she injured a burglar who was attacking her husband in their home,” Jones said. “She didn’t use a gun, she used a jar of pennies and the miscreant sued her for his injuries. She had to spend her hard-earned money to hire a lawyer to defend her from this criminal’s lawsuit. I say that is wrong and I’m pleased to see such a large majority of Michigan residents agree with me.”

Casperson, Jones seek to restore victims' rights to self-defense

Law-abiding Michigan residents will no longer have to worry about whether they are justified in using force to defend their family from a violent attacker in their own home under a package of bills introduced by state Reps. Tom Casperson and Rick Jones.

"One of Northern Michigan's most basic values is that a person's home is their castle," said Casperson, R-Escanaba. "This legislation makes it clear that you will not be prosecuted or sued for defending your life, family or property 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.

"I was inspired to write this law after reading a biography of Dr. Ossian Sweet's 1925 trial for defending his home against the Ku Klux Klan in Michigan," said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. "His attorney, Clarence Darrow, successfully used the 'castle doctrine' to defend Dr. Sweet from prosecution for murder."

House Bills 5142-43 will establish a presumption that a criminal who forcibly enters or intrudes in a 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 prohibit criminal or civil prosecution for using force to defend life.

"This will prevent criminals or their families from suing victims for injury or death," Casperson 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, their family and their homes without threat of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution."

Michigan / Texas Reciprocity

Texas makes it official. They will now recognize MI CPL's.

Many thanks to Mike Cox, Michigan Attorney General for following up on an election promise. Also thanks for the efforts of GLSSA Legislative Team member Joel Fulton and others who worked behind the scenes for a long time, to make this happen.

Michigan / Arkansas Reciprocity

By Joel E. Fulton

I am pleased to be able to announce the establishment of reciprocity of handgun licenses between the State of Michigan and the State of Arkansas effective June, 2005.

I would first like to express my thanks to Mr. Robert Ianni of the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, who under the direction of Attorney General Mike Cox, has been diligent in pursuing additional reciprocity on behalf of Michigan Concealed Pistol Licensees. I would also like to thank him for allowing me to participate in this process by performing research and making contacts. I would to express my sincerest appreciation to Lt. Robert Felcher of the Arkansas State Police who has been working on getting this agreement done for the better part of a year. He has been relentless in going through all of the hoops required and I appreciate all of his hard work.

Residents of Arkansas who are licensed to carry concealed handguns have always been welcome to carry in our state. Arkansas has now extended that same courtesy to the residents of Michigan allowing us to carry in their state when we visit.

Jones sponsors common sense CCW reform

Michigan residents with CCW permits now will no longer have to worry about their permit lapsing during renewal process and will be able to carry their spouse′s registered weapon under legislation introduced by Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge.

Under current law, if the board does not decide on renewal or rejection prior to the expiration of the CCW, the permit holder can no longer use the permit until renewed. Jones′ measure would extend the existing permit until the board issues or denies the renewal.

"Renewal applicants are law-abiding people. If they were going to commit a crime, they wouldn′t be applying for a renewal," Jones said. "This decreases the amount of bureaucratic red tape and worry placed on residents when renewing a concealed weapons permit."

Jones is also introducing legislation to allow permit holders to carry a weapon registered to their spouse.

"Rather than make a husband and wife buy another gun‚ we let the CCW holder carry their spouse′s," Jones said. "This is just plain common sense and makes the CCW permit more user-friendly to the good law-abiding residents of Michigan."

Hats for our Troops Overseas.

Chippewa County Shooting Assoc. members Leo Joutsie (left) and Damon Lieurance with the stack of donated hats!

UPDATE!  We have lots of interest in the hats. We mailed them out to Iraq today. Half of them to a unit from Lansing, the other half to a unit from Grand Ledge. They would like more if possible. We will also be sending them some stuffed animals. I requested that they send us digital photos of giving them to the Iraqi children. We'll share those photos with you if we get them. Thanks much for your assistance. Jim Klynstra

GLSSA has been working with the Michigan National Guard on some projects to help the reservists and the families of our troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. One project we can start right away.

Many of us have received baseball style caps as premiums for joining various organizations. We also have many of these in our gunrooms, closets, etc. Let′s make better use of these.

In co-operation with the Michigan National Guard, GLSSA is requesting that baseball style caps be sent to us for distribution to our troops. The soldiers overseas will hand out these caps to the children of Afghanistan and Iraq as good will from America. The Michigan National Guard has checked with commanders overseas and they have given us the go ahead.

Please send us clean, as new baseball style caps. Almost any type of logo on the cap is permissible. Firearm related car companies, sports teams, etc. Please no tobacco or alcohol logos. GLSSA is donating GLSSA hats.

Send these to:

GLSSA Hat Donations
P.O. Box 81166
Lansing, MI 48908-1166

We will make sure they get to our troops overseas.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO PURCHASE CMP FIREARMS
Per CMP website 2-20-05

U.S. Citizenship:
You must provide a copy of a U.S. birth certificate, passport, proof of naturalization, or any official government document that shows birth in the U.S. or states citizenship as U.S.

Age
You must provide proof of age. Usually proof of citizenship also provides proof of age. In those cases where it may not, a driver's license is sufficient.

Membership in CMP Affiliated Organization - GLSSA membership acceptable!
You must provide a copy of your current membership card or other proof of membership, if your club does not issue cards. This requirement cannot be waived. Note: Club membership IS required for purchase of rifles, parts, and ammunition. Club membership is NOT required for instructional publications or videos or CMP memorabilia.

Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity

You must provide proof of participation in a marksmanship related activity or otherwise show familiarity with the safe handling of firearms and range procedures. Your marksmanship related activity does not have to be with highpower rifles; it can be with smallbore rifles, pistols, air guns or shotguns. Proof of marksmanship participation can be provided by documenting any of the following:

• Current or past military service.
• Current or past law enforcement service
• Participation in a rifle, pistol, air gun or shotgun competition (provide copy of results bulletin).
• Completion of a marksmanship clinic that included live fire training (provide a copy of the certificate of completion or a statement from the instructor).
• Distinguished, Instructor, or Coach status.
• Concealed Carry License.
• Firearms Owner Identification Card.
• FFL or C&R license.
• Completion of a Hunter Safety Course that included live fire training.
• Certification from range or club official or law enforcement officer witnessing shooting activity. A form for use in completing and certifying your range firing can be downloaded from the CMP web site at http://www.odcmp.com/forms/marksmanship.pdf No proof of marksmanship required if over age 60. Proof of club membership and citizenship required for all ages.

NOTE: Proof of marksmanship activity is not required for purchase of ammunition, parts, publications or memorabilia.

Be Legally Eligible to Purchase a Firearm
The information you supply on your application will be submitted by the CMP to the FBI National Instant Criminal Check System (NICS) to verify you are not prohibited by Federal, State or Local law from acquiring or possessing a rifle. Your signature on the Purchaser Certification portion of the purchase application authorizes the CMP to initiate the NICS check and authorizes the FBI to inform CMP of the result. IMPORTANT: If your State or locality requires you to first obtain a license, permit, or Firearms Owner ID card in order to possess or receive a rifle, you must enclose a photocopy of your license, permit, or card with the application for purchase.

Order Form and Purchaser Certification and Agreement
Order forms and other required documents may be downloaded from http://www.odcmp.com/Forms/1orderform.pdf. For those customers who receive our hard-copy catalog, we recommend they make several copies of the blank form for use in placing future orders. Customers should complete both the Order Form and the Purchaser Certification and Agreement and sign it before a notary. Orders received without notarized signature will not be processed.

Courtesy of Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association, P.O. Box 81166, Lansing, MI 48908-1166
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Affiliated Club
www.GLSSA.org

The GLSSA booth at Outdoorama in Novi. Next to our good friends the NRA!

Former State Representative Mike Green and sponsor of the original CPL law in 2000 joins GLSSA at the MUCC Outdoorama!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GLSSA supports shooting range protection legislation

The Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association today endorsed legislation by state Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Muskegon, to exempt sport shooting ranges from local noise ordinances.

"Once again, the Legislature is striking a blow for common sense," said GLSSA President Rod Collins. "When people move next to an existing range, they should expect it to be noisy.  This legislation is about protecting the rights of shooting enthusiasts and businessmen from unfair harassment."

Senate Bill 220 exempts existing shooting ranges from noise local ordinances.  The measure in no way restricts the ability of local governments to otherwise regulate the operation of the ranges through zoning or safety regulations.

With increased development of outlying areas, many formerly rural ranges are coming under pressure from new residents bothered by the noise.  Even state-operated ranges are feeling the pinch.  For example, the state Department of Natural Resources Island Lake Shooting Range in Brighton only recently reopened after it was closed due to a lawsuit stemming from noise complaints.

The measure is now before the Senate Committee on Local, Urban and State Affairs.

GLSSA is a is a statewide organization devoted to promoting and protecting firearm and archery sports in Michigan and the surrounding Great Lakes region.

Michigan Offering Discounted Hunting Licenses To Military Personnel

LANSING, MIThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering discounted hunting licenses to active U.S. Military personnel on leave. The licenses can be purchased at any DNR Operations Service Center as well as any of the more than 1,700 retail outlets statewide.

 

The DNR says the military license discounts are designed to offer a break to Michigan residents who are active military personnel stationed abroad, but currently home on leave. Those individuals can purchase any state hunting license that doesn't require a separate application for $1.

Violent Crime Down - Again!

The Michigan State Police reported today that violent crime is down 5% from 2002 to 2003  Michigan. Obviously passing Concealed Pistol Licensing reform in 2000 did not increase crime as the anti gun people predicted.

 

This follows a national trend in every right to carry state and confirms studies by Professor John Lott that crime decreases when right to carry laws are passed.

CONCEALED PISTOL LICENSE LAW CHANGES IN 2003

On July 1, 2003, some significant changes in the Concealed Pistol License Law went into effect.  Some of these changes are improvements for the Concealed Pistol License ("CPL") holder; others are definite steps backwards.  CPL holders must know about these changes and comply with them.  The trouble is, if you took the required gun safety training before July 1, 2003, the legal discussion section of that training will not have discussed these changes.  However, for CPL holders, even more than the average citizen, ignorance of the law is no excuse.  That′s the case, even as the average law enforcement officer may not be aware of changes in the law.

 

In addition, there are still a few people out there who have CPLs that predate the "shall issue" CPLs that became available in July 2001.  Those who have the old white card (the one without the picture) need to be aware of all of the restrictions now placed on CPL holders.  Even if someone holds the old white "unrestricted" license, all the restrictions in the new law apply to that CPL holder.  That person still must understand the new restrictions ­ such as the new list of places a licensee cannot carry a concealed pistol.

 

This article highlights some of the changes in the law that went into effect in 2003.  I′m not going to discuss all of the changes, just the ones that most affect the CPL holder.

 

I.   Notifying a police officer "immediately" that you′re carrying a concealed pistol

 

One change addresses an ambiguity in the concealed pistol law. It makes clear that a CPL holder who is carrying a concealed pistol and is stopped by a police officer, must immediately inform that officer that he or she is carrying a concealed pistol.  Prior to this amendment, the law had required disclosure of a concealed pistol, but had been unclear as to when the CPL holder had to inform the officer.  Now, if you′re carrying a concealed pistol and you′re stopped by a police officer, the first thing you say should be that you have a concealed pistol license, and that you are carrying a concealed pistol.  If you don′t, you could receive a ticket, a fine, lose your pistol, and lose your CPL for up to six months.

 

II.   Carrying and displaying the CPL if you′re not carrying a concealed pistol

 

The new law also makes clear that if the CPL holder is not carrying a concealed pistol, he/she is not required to carry or produce the concealed pistol license upon the officer′s request.  Previously, it was not clear whether the CPL holder had to display the license to the officer, even if he or she was not carrying a concealed pistol.  Now, if you′re not carrying a concealed pistol, you needn′t carry the CPL ­ but it′s still a good idea to do so.

 

III.   Extension of CPLs to five years.

 

Another issue that has arisen with the recent amendments of the law is the question of how long the old license is valid.  For most of us, our licenses are good for three years, after which they must be renewed.  Starting July 1, 2003, CPLs will be valid for five years.  However that does NOT mean that those of us with the three year licenses can automatically tack another two years onto the license.  Our licenses will still expire on the date shown on the license; that is, after three years.  New and renewal licenses issued after July 1, 2003, will be good for five years.  This is a dangerous trap; if your license expires and you′re caught carrying a concealed pistol, that′s not a civil infraction, or a misdemeanor ­ that′s a felony carrying a prison sentence of up to five years.

 

IV.   Changes in places where a concealed pistol is prohibited

 

There is some good news and some bad news in all of this.  The good news is that the list of places where CPL holders cannot carry their concealed pistols is a bit smaller now.  Previously, a CPL holder could not carry a concealed pistol into any "bar, restaurant or lounge" where alcohol is served for consumption on the premises.  That excluded a lot of restaurants that serve alcohol.  However, that exclusion has been changed.  A CPL holder now cannot carry a concealed pistol into "a bar or tavern licensed under the Michigan liquor control code, where the primary source of income of the business is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass and consumed on the premises."  As before, the owner and employees of such a place are permitted to carry on those premises.

 

What does this mean?  It means that one can now carry into a restaurant that serves beer, wine or liquor with dinner.  However, this new definition is somewhat vague, and also makes it difficult to decide whether a given establishment may or may not be prohibited.  If a place is clearly a bar, and serves more alcohol than food, don′t carry a pistol there.  Places like sports bars, pool halls, or taverns that serve perhaps as much food as alcohol might or might not be permissible.  However, if it turns out you′re carrying in a prohibited place, don′t expect much sympathy from a judge.  If you′re not sure if a place is legal, leave the hardware in the car.

 

You can leave it in the car, because another part of the new law makes clear that a CPL holder can carry a concealed pistol in the parking lots of all the places where a concealed pistol is prohibited ­ hospitals, stadiums, day care centers, schools, etc.  So  even if you can′t carry your concealed pistol into a hospital when visiting your sick relative, you can carry it in your car, and leave it secured in the car while it′s in the hospital′s parking lot.

 

The law also now makes clear that a CPL holder who is hired as a security guard to protect a prohibited place is allowed to carry a concealed pistol in the course of his or her duty as a security guard.  Moreover, private investigators, private detectives, and retired police officers are now allowed to carry a concealed pistol in all of the statutorily defined prohibited places.

 

V.   Changes in the application process

 

Those who are applying for or renewing their CPLs after July 1, 2003 need to be aware of some changes in the application process.  For one thing, the cost is now a single fee of $105, paid to the county clerk, but which covers everything, including fingerprinting.  (If you have your local police department take your fingerprints, rather than your county sheriff, the local department can charge an additional $15.)

 

Gun boards now have 45 days after receiving the fingerprint report from the state police, instead of the oft-ignored 30 days, in which to grant or deny an applicant a CPL.  (Hopefully, the additional time means that more county gun boards will make an effort to comply with the law.)  In addition, if a decision is not made within 60 days, the gun board is supposed to grant a temporary concealed pistol license; however, I′m aware of only one county that is doing this.

 

Gun boards now have more authority to go snooping for evidence of unfitness for a CPL.  The law allows gun boards more latitude to review medical records for evidence of mental illness or other factor that might disqualify an applicant for a CPL. It is yet to be seen how this will work, but preliminary indications are that gun boards are scrutinizing records of medical treatment, psychological counseling, even grief counseling or marriage counseling.  If you′ve ever undergone anything like this, be prepared to discuss it with the Board.

 

When you get your new concealed pistol license, it′ll be smaller than the previously issued license.  The new licenses will be the same size as a driver′s license, and will fit more easily in wallet or purse.

 

VI.   Qualification for a CPL

 

One of the biggest changes is an expansion of the pool of residents eligible to receive a concealed pistol license.  Previously, any person who was convicted of any misdemeanor was ineligible for a CPL for three years from the date of conviction, except for persons convicted of the few misdemeanors that would disqualify him or her for eight years.  A lot of people who were issued tickets, and paid them, thinking they were simple civil infractions ­ such a a ticket for operating a boat with an expired tag, or driving with expired insurance ­ ended up having their CPLs suspended, or not being eligible for a CPL for three years.

 

As of July, only persons convicted of a specific list of misdemeanors are ineligible for a CPL for three years.  The list includes:

 

a.    Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Liquor

b.    Refusal of a Commercial Driver to Submit to a Chemical Test

c.    Negligently Providing False Certification of Breath Alcohol Interlock Device

d.    Intentionally Circumventing Breath Alcohol Interlock Device

e.    Operating a Commercial Vehicle with Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level (.04 BAC)

f.    Operating an Aircraft Under the Influence of Liquor

h.    Operating an Off Road Vehicle Under the Influence of Liquor

i.    Operating an Off Road Vehicle Having Consumed a Controlled Substance

j.    Operating a Snowmobile Under the Influence of Liquor

k.    Any Controlled Substance Code Violation

l.    Operating a Locomotive Under the Influence of Liquor

m.    Disorderly Conduct

n.    Embezzlement

o.    False Pretenses

p.    Larceny

q.    Retail Fraud

r.    Larceny of a Vacant Building

s.    Larceny by Conversion

t.    Defrauding a Lessor (Landlord)

u.    Malicious Destruction of Property

v.    Malicious Destruction of Real Property

x.    Failure to Obey Police Direction

y.    Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property

z.    Malicious Use of Telephone

 

In addition, there have been additions to the list of misdemeanors that result in an eight year CPL disqualification.  The new "eight year misdemeanors" are:

aa.    Failure to Stop at an Injury Accident

ab.    Operating a Commercial Vehicle under the Influence of Liquor

ac.    Operating an Aircraft with an Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level, 2d Offense

ad.    Operating Off Road Vehicle under the Influence of Liquor, 2d Offense

ae.    Operating Snowmobile under the Influence of Liquor, 2d Offense

af.    Operating Water Vessel under the Influence of Liquor

ag.    Entering Without Breaking

ah.    Indecent Exposure

ai.    For the entire list of "eight year misdemeanors" see the Instructions page of an application for a concealed pistol license.

 

1.   Administrative details

 

The new law clarifies some administrative details that were not clearly set out in prior law.  The new law makes clear that a CPL holder who moves from one county in Michigan to another county in Michigan, takes their CPL with them.  You need not re-apply in the new county until you renew your CPL.  Then, of course, you must apply in the county in which you then live.

 

The new law also makes clear that a lost CPL can be replaced for $10.00.

 

The new law also clarifies that, if a gun board suspends or revokes a person′s CPL, that person must surrender their CPL back to the gun board.

 

For more details on the changes in the concealed pistol law, consider sitting through at least the legal lecture of a qualified pistol safety training program.  Many instructors will allow you to sit in on the legal lecture at no charge, or at least at a price less than the entire training program. 

Membership Form Added!