Michigan's governor has made it legal for holders of concealed-carry permits to also pack electric heat for self-defense, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The state joins 44 others that allow the carrying of Tasers and other brands of stun guns.

Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, signed the bipartisan legislation that allows licensed Michiganders to carry single-shot, consumer-grade, non-lethal stun guns after completing additional training. The laws are the same as those for carrying a handgun.

As of last October, the Michigan State Police said there were more than 286,000 Michigan residents with valid concealed pistol licenses, the Detroit News says.

The consumer-grade weapon fires two dart-like electrodes up to 15 feet. Police and military versions fire multiple electrodes up to 35 feet.

Stun guns remain illegal in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.