Legislative Archives

January, 2005

GLSSA met with legislators this week to see what is brewing at the Capitol. The new representatives are settling into their new offices and we are meeting new staff.

Several GLSSA legislative initiatives were brought up and our opinion was sought for some proposed legislation. After talking to GLSSA new Representative Rick Jones of Eaton County informed us today he is co-sponsoring one of our top priorities, the elimination of the fingerprint requirement for the renewal of a Concealed License Permit (CPL). This has caused much delay in renewals in many counties. Rep. Rick Jones was the Sheriff of Eaton County and is a GLSSA member.

There may also be upcoming legislation concerning expanding the categories of people that could carry a firearm with a CPL in the "no carry zones." GLSSA expressed that we would be opposed to expanding this select group while most CPL holders still could not carry in these zones. The no carry zones should be eliminated for all CPL holders. This legislation would only re-intensify the two class system that we fought so hard to eliminate in 2000.

Further proposed legislation includes making it a crime to remove the orange barrel tips from soft air guns. Federal law requires that when soft air guns are sold that they have an orange tip on the barrel to identified them as "toy guns." After the purchase there is nothing to prohibit the buyer from removing these. GLSSA was told that there have been some incidents where these were mistaken for real guns by law enforcement officers. The proposed legislation would make it illegal to remove the tips at any time.

Secretary of State issue of CPLs is still pending. The legislators know this is an important issue with GLSSA members.

As we get more information GLSSA will pass this on as soon as possible.  Please let your opinions known on these and other legislative issues by contacting GLSSA.

September, 2004

Tabor bill permits DNR to discuss new hunting seasons

The House Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Committee today unanimously approved legislation by state Rep. Susan Tabor to permit the state and the Natural Resources Commission to discuss and study hunting seasons for non-game species in Michigan.

"During the 1980s, the DNR was prohibited from even examining a mourning dove season by a court-imposed lawsuit," said Tabor, R-Delta Township. "This bill will allow the DNR to approach wildlife management issues from the basis of sound science, not politics."

House Bill 6272 directs the DNR to promote and preserve Michigan′s hunting heritage and authorizes it to study and advocate hunting seasons even for species not currently classified as game animals.

Due to a Michigan Humane Society lawsuit in the 1980s, a court-imposed gag order for two decades prevented wildlife experts at the DNR from publicly discussing the idea of dove hunting. The injunction was the result of a lawsuit by the Michigan Humane Society and took effect on Aug. 20, 1985. It was upheld by the Court of Appeals two years later.

In June, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed Public Act 160, sponsored by Tabor, lifting the ban on a mourning dove season, rendering the injunction moot. HB 6272 would prohibit a similar injunction. "This is really about common sense," Tabor said. "Wildlife experts should be free to have open discussions about game management and hunting opportunities. This legislation guarantees that freedom."

August, 2004

Tabor criticizes DNR opposition to lower hunting age

State Rep. Susan Tabor today criticized the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for changing its position and opposing legislation lowering Michigan′s minimum hunting age with firearms from 14 to 12.

"DNR was on board with this since its introduction well over a year ago right up until moments before the Senate committee hearing on the bill," Tabor said.  "They owe an explanation to the sportsmen of Michigan for this sudden flip-flop."

In December the House passed House Bill 4225, sponsored by Tabor, permitting 12-year-olds and those who turn 12 in the calendar year who have passed hunter safety classes to participate in firearm hunting seasons for deer, elk and bear. 

Young hunters must still be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or authorized adult.

At the time, then-DNR Director K.L. Cool said the legislation represented a strong, effective working partnership between the bill sponsor and the DNR. 

"We commend Rep. Tabor for this effort to increase youth participation in deer hunting," said Cool in December. "This bill provides increased hunting opportunities, helping to ensure the future of Michigan′s hunting heritage without jeopardizing our state′s outstanding hunting safety record or overwhelming our statewide network of volunteer hunting safety instructors."

DNR has yet to explain its sudden reversal.

"I am very interested in what the DNR has learned since winter that would cause such a radical change of position," Tabor said.  "Gov. Jennifer Granholm needs to explain why her administration has reversed course on this."

The measure is now before the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee.

Antique Firearms Bill (Public Act 99 of 2004)

GLSSA Helps Lead Legislation

I am happy to report that the Antique Firearms bill is on the move! The sponsors are Rep. Daniel Acciavatti, (HB5427) Rep. Fran Amos (HB5428) and Rep. Matt Milosch (HB5429).

 From an introduction letter by Rep. Dan Acciavatti;

 "In summary, HB′s 5427, 5428, & 5429 will clarify the unclear language currently on the books in regards to purchasing, selling or possessing an antique firearm without the need for a permit or registration.  According to an Attorney General Opinion by Frank Kelly (#4440) a person does not need a permit to purchase an antique firearm.  However, several law enforcement agencies read the current law to say that any weapon that fires a projectile must be registered with the State of Michigan.  In order to register them, a person must obtain a permit.  However, Michigan law does not require a person to obtain a permit when buying or selling an antique firearm.  This presents a catch 22 scenario.

 In response to this apparent conflict between departments, I (Rep. Acciavatti) have introduced legislation that does not change current law, but simply clarifies its intent: that a person does not need to obtain a permit to purchase an antique forearm in Michigan.  This parallels with federal law as well.

 Supporters of this legislation include the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, National Rifle Association, and the Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association.  If you have any questions regarding this legislation please feel free to contact my (Rep Acciavatti) office at 517-373-8931, or Rod Collins with the Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association at 517-886-GLSA."

 The definition for antique firearms includes modern replicas of flint and percussion ignition pistols.  These have grown in popularity lately somewhat with the rise of Cowboy Action Shooting and Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments.

 GLSSA is very pleased to be leading this legislation.  These are some of the first major pro-firearm bills in the last few years.

Rod Collins
President - GLSSA

February, 2004

News Conference a Success!