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CPL Reform SB 59 (H-4)

The Strongest CPL Training Standard in the Nation

1. The training and review requirements for a basic CPL will be strengthened.

2. Senate Bill 59 does not repeal any of the pistol free zones. Under current law, any person with a CPL can carry a

firearm in the pistol free zones as long as it is visible or open carried. See MSP Legal Update #86.

3. Senate Bill 59 (H-4) will prohibit open carry in the zones by all licensees. On May 1st, not one of the 340,000

civilians with a CPL will be able to carry into a zone, concealed or open. They will first have to complete

additional training and then be granted an exemption by the sheriff.

4. Michigan will have the strongest CPL training standard under statute in the nation if SB 59 is passed into law.

5. Private property owners commercial, residential, non-profit or religious can currently prohibit the possession of

firearms on their premises whether someone has a CPL or not. Senate Bill 59 (H-4) reinforces their rights.

6. Universities that are granted semi-autonomy in the Michigan Constitution can currently regulate firearms

possession through ordinances. This ability is reinforced in SB 59 (H-4). No new authority is granted.

Modernizing Michigans CPL Law7. County gun boards created in 1927 will be eliminated. We are the only state in the nation that uses them for CPLs.

Most states use a single local or state law enforcement agency.

8. County sheriffs will assume the authority of the boards. They know their local folks and can weed out those who

should not have a CPL. The role of clerks and the MSP will not change.

9. The bill will place accountability for fair licensing decisions with sheriffs, but it will not add more responsibility.

In fact, sheriffs will no longer need to staff board meetings or panels. Sheriffs will continue to consult with

prosecutors, the MSP and local police on applications.

Improving Service to Taxpayers

10. Fingerprint background checks for applicants are now nearly instantaneous. A license decision will be made within

45 days after fingerprints are taken, not 3 to 9 months or longer. If a decision is not made within those 45 days,applicants will be entitled to a partial refund. This measure is needed because many boards have ignored state law.

11. Sheriffs and clerks are granted civil liability immunity in this bill for the actions of any licensee.

12. Local fee revenue will be set aside in special CPL funds to be used solely by clerks and sheriffs for improving

service to taxpayers, instead of being absorbed by county general funds.

13. Clerks will mail approved licenses, eliminating the need for additional trips or time off of work by applicants. As

with drivers licenses, CPL holders will also receive renewal notices.

SB 59 (H-4) is supported by: Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, Michigan Open Carry, Students

for Concealed Carry, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Shooters Alliance for Firearm Rights. County

clerks association supported the process changes. MSP was neutral. Sheriffs Association opposed all reforms.

Additional details in the H-4:

State corrections and absconder recovery unit officers, retired sheriffs corrections officers, and retired state

corrections/parole/probation officers will be granted an exemption to the pistol free zones. (HB 4435)

Deployed military personnel will be granted a 60-day extension if their license expires while deployed.

Basic training requirement waived and zone exemptions explicitly granted for police officers, federal agents,

military police officers and those retired from those positions.

Retired peace officer defined to include anyone who retired in good standing and receives a financial benefit,

or anyone who maintained an MCOLES certification in good standing for 20 consecutive years.

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A licensee granted an exemption based on having taking the advanced course will be required to review that

training every five years, in addition to the review already required for a basic license.