2015 House Bill 4156 / Public Act 25

Revise firearms definition

Introduced in the House

Feb. 5, 2015

Introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-71)

To revise the definition of “firearm” in the state law authorizing regulations on selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying a handgun, To revise the definition of “firearm” in the state penal code so it longer applies to BB, pellet, paint ball or "air-soft" guns. The new definition would be a gun that "expels a projectile by action of an explosive." However, using a non-firearm to commit a crime would still be subject to criminal penalties.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Feb. 18, 2015

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Feb. 25, 2015

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-71)

To move the effective date to July 1, 2015, and make that contingent on enactment of other bills in a package that amend the definition of firearm in various statutes to eliminate BB, pellet or "air-soft" guns from the definition of "firearm".

The amendment passed by voice vote

Feb. 26, 2015

Passed in the House 89 to 20 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 3, 2015

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 12, 2015

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 29, 2015

Substitute offered by Sen. Rick Jones (R-24)

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To revise the definition of “firearm” in the state law authorizing regulations on selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying a handgun, To revise the definition of “firearm” in the state penal code so it longer applies to BB, pellet, paint ball or "air-soft" guns. The new definition would be a gun that "expels a projectile by action of an explosive." However, using a non-firearm to commit a crime would still be subject to criminal penalties.

Received in the House

April 29, 2015

April 30, 2015

Passed in the House 89 to 21 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

May 12, 2015