Michigan: Air Gun Reclassification Package Reintroduced in the House

Today, the House components of last session’s “Air Gun Reclassification Package” have been reintroduced in the Michigan House of Representatives.  The House components include House Bills 4151, 4152, 4153, 4154, 4155 and 4156.  These bills have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and are expected to receive a hearing next Tuesday, February 10.

This important legislative package seeks to achieve pragmatic and much-needed reform by redefining the term “firearm” in the Michigan Code to exclude devices that propel a projectile by gas, spring or air.  The goal of this package is to relieve Michiganders, and those seeking to engage in interstate commerce with Michigan residents, from outdated and unduly burdensome restraints on the transfer, purchase and possession of most air guns.

Under current law, a vast majority of air guns—including all pellet guns and air soft guns—qualify as firearms.  As a result, the same restrictions that apply to the transfer, purchase and possession of firearms also are imposed on air guns; including licensing and registration.  Michigan is one of only four states that classifies most air guns as firearms.

Expected to be introduced in the Michigan Senate next Tuesday is Senate Bill 85, which contains the language from last session’s Senate Bill 979.  This bill will be the Senate component to the Air Gun Reclassification Package. It would create a new definition for air guns while still protecting air gun possession and use from overzealous local regulation.

Using the contact information provided below, please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully request that they support House Bills 4151, 4152, 4153, 4154, 4155 and 4156.  Your NRA-ILA will continue to monitor and keep you updated on the status of this legislation.

House Judiciary Committee Members:

Representative Klint Kesto (R-39), Chairman
(517) 373-1799
klintkesto@house.mi.gov  

Representative Peter Lucido (R-36), Majority Vice Chairman
(517) 373-0843
peterlucido@house.mi.gov

Representative Jeff Irwin (D-53), Minority Vice Chairman
(517) 373-2577
jeffirwin@house.mi.gov

Representative Kurt Heise (R-20)
(517) 373-3816
kurtheise@house.mi.gov

Representative Joel Johnson (R-97)
(517) 373-8962
joeljohnson@house.mi.gov

Representative Martin Howrylak (R-41)
(517) 373-1783
martinhowrylak@house.mi.gov

Representative Triston Cole (R-105)
(517) 373-0829
tristoncole@house.mi.gov

Representative Jim Runestad (R-44)
(517) 373-2616
jimrunestad@house.mi.gov

Representative Rose Mary Robinson (D-4)
(517) 373-1008
rosemaryrobinson@house.mi.gov

Representative Stephanie Chang (D-6)
(517) 373-0823
stephaniechang@house.mi.gov

Representative Vanessa  Guerra (D-95)
(517) 373-0152
vanessaguerra@house.mi.gov