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Michiganders would no longer need a concealed pistol license to carry a concealed pistol under legislation approved by the Michigan House of Representatives on last Wednesday.

House bills 4416 through 4419 strike the requirement that a Michigander have a license to carry a concealed weapon. People banned from possessing firearms would be banned from carrying them as well. The bills also reduce penalties for certain infractions relating to carrying a pistol without proper identification.

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Legislation that would allow gun owners without a concealed pistol license to carry concealed firearms drew a crowd at a Tuesday House Judiciary Committee meeting.

Rep. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, is a sponsor of one of the bills. She and other sponsors refer to the bills as “constitutional carry.” This is in reference to the Second Amendment enshrining the right to bear arms.

“People who can legally own a gun should have every right to carry a concealed pistol without jumping through bureaucratic hoops and landing on a list,” Hoitenga said.

But some Democrats, including Rep. Jewell Jones, D-Inkster, spoke against the bill. Jones questioned why the right to carry a weapon should override the right of people to live their lives and feel secure.

“What about the young black and brown men, men like me, who are killed every day?” he asked.

Rep. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, said he found that comment ironic. Historically gun laws were established to keep black and brown people from owning guns. He was among a handful of supporters who made the argument that Michiganders can already open carry guns with no training or permit.

“The legislation would repeal these unnecessary criminal penalties for putting on a coat over a gun,” Runestad said.

Michigan Concealed Carry Bills’ Future

The bills would have to pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder to become law.