Michigan residents could carry a concealed firearm without a permit and in locations where it’s currently prohibited under legislation passed out of the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee Tuesday.

In 5-1 votes, the committee moved several bills that taken together would expand where and how gun owners could carry their firearms. The main bill in the package, House Bill 4770, would eliminate current restrictions on carrying concealed weapons and storing them in vehicles, and make a CPL license unnecessary - although gun owners still could opt to get the license.

Another bill, House Bill 4771, would repeal several existing licensing requirements for gun owners and allow concealed carry in places currently considered gun-free zones, like churches, daycares and hospitals. People still couldn’t concealed carry in schools under the legislation, and privately-run businesses would still have discretion over whether to allow guns on the premises, bill sponsors said.

All of the committee’s Republicans were in favor of the bills. Three Democrat representatives passed on the vote, and Rep. Mari Manoogian, D- Birmingham, voted no.

“With the threat of gun violence growing throughout our country, we should be working to enhance our protections, not weaken them," Manoogian said in a statement after the vote. "These bills are dangerous, unnecessary and flat-out irresponsible.”

The bills were referred to the House Judiciary Committee under the House’s two-step committee process, and would need to clear the House, Senate and be signed by Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to become law.

Supporters of the bills say the package would put gun owners on a level playing field with criminals who disregard existing gun laws, while critics argue the legislation is dangerous and could put Michigan residents at risk by allowing people to carry hidden, loaded firearms in more places without a permit or any safety training.

During testimony last week, state Rep. Steven Johnson, R-Wayland, said the bills wouldn’t change who can purchase a firearm in Michigan, and argued removing the need for a concealed license could lift a financial burden off of law-abiding gun owners.

“As long as I’m legally allowed to possess a firearm, to own a firearm, I can do that, but the second I put a coat on...I can commit a five-year felony unless I have this special card,” Johnson said while holding up his CPL license. “This is about protecting good law-abiding Michiganders."

After Tuesday’s votes, committee chair Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, said he’s hopeful the Judiciary Committee will give the legislation a hearing.

“I believe that most of our gun laws - they serve no purpose, and the way they came about was with bad intentions, and they should be gotten rid of,” he said.

Read more about Michigan gun policy:

Concealed carry license eliminated under proposed Michigan House bill

House Speaker orders Michigan lawmaker to stop banning guns from her office

Open carry enthusiasts gather in Lansing to advocate second amendment right

Gov. Whitmer, Democratic leaders push ‘extreme risk’ gun bills after national shootings

Michigan House Republicans look to reduce penalties for gun license violations

Michigan House bill would decrease punishment for lapsed concealed pistol licenses

Fewer penalties for concealed carry in gun-free zones under House bills