Next week, the bills comprising the “Air Gun Reclassification Package” are expected to receive a third reading and a final vote in the Michigan Senate. Please contact your state Senator in support of this legislative package.
As previously reported, HB 4151, 4152, 4153, 4154, 4155, and 4156 make up an important legislative package which 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this package is to relieve Michiganders and those seeking to engage in interstate commerce with Michigan residents from outdated and unduly burdensome restraints on the transfer, purchase and possession of most air guns.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 classify most air guns as firearms.
SB 85, introduced by Senator Dave Hildenbrand (R-29), contains language from last session’s Senate Bill 979. This bill would create a new definition for air guns while still protecting air gun possession and use from overzealous local regulation.
Please contact your state Senator TODAY and urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 85 and House Bills 4151, 4152, 4153, 4154, 4155, and 4156 when they are brought up on the Senate floor next week.