(MPRN-Lansing) The process for issuing concealed pistol permits in Michigan is about to change as county gun boards are about to disappear.
The boards’ authority has been whittled away over the years as the Legislature has placed limits on their discretion. Years ago, in some counties, it was nearly impossible for someone who was not a police officer, a judge, or had political connections to get a concealed gun permit.
This is the final step toward making Michigan a true “shall-issue” concealed weapon state. County clerks will still issue the permits, but the responsibility for background checks will now be handled by a special unit of the Michigan State Police.
“Applicants for a concealed pistol license shouldn’t really experience any difference,”
says MSP1st Lieutenant Chris Hawkins.
“The process will still start by visiting your county clerk’s office to apply for a concealed pistol license. Really, what’s going to change is the background check and what happens behind the scenes.”
It will be up to the MSP to conduct a fingerprint search of state and national law enforcement datebases to determine if an applicant has any felony convictions or personal protection orders lodged against them.
“Really, all an applicant should see is probably a little less of a wait time,” says Hawkins, “and probably a more uniform system across the state.”
If a records search clears and the applicant has completed a gun safety course, a county cannot reject an application. The new law also allows someone who has been granted a protection order to get an interim emergency license to carry a concealed pistol.
A county sheriff may also issue an interim emergency license. There are currently 488,000 concealed pistol license holders in Michigan.
