Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on June 19, 2003, to prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from banning the carrying of handguns on state land by those who have a concealed pistol license (CPL), or are otherwise authorized to carry. A person would still need a hunting license to take game

The vote was 103 in favor, 2 opposed and 5 not voting

(House Roll Call 739 at House Journal 94)

Click here to view bill details.

For a common sense addition to Legislation on firearms issues. HB 4867 is a good Bill and I thank you and your colleagues for your hard work and dedication to common sense law making.

All state agencies should be compelled to honor the legislation.

ssjake@japanimation.com

Thank you very much. As a hunter, sportsman, fisherman and one loves the outdoors this is a big step in the right direction for all concerned. I for one deeply appreciate the strides made to correct this injustice.

I completely support this legislation. Keep up the good work.

Analysis of HB 4867, introduced by Rep. James Koetje, to prevent the DNR from prohibiting legal concealed carry on state lend

HB 4867 says, among other things, the following:

(3) The department shall not promulgate or enforce a rule
4 that prohibits an individual who is licensed or exempt from
5 licensure under 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.421 to 28.435, from carrying
6 a pistol in compliance with that act, whether concealed or
7 otherwise, on property under the control of the department.

This action has apparently become necessary because of an old administrative rule within the DNR which unilaterally bans concealed carry on some of the state properties under its jurisdiction, properties which were not included in the Legislature’s list of prohibited areas. I am informed that the DNR as a whole supports CPL licensees and is neutral on this bill.

The principle behind concealed carry reform is that CPL licensees are extremely cautious, stable, and well trained, so that the public should have no fear from them. This has been borne out by the incredible record in the past 25 months, in which no CPL licensee in the state of Michigan has illegally shot anyone. No rational reason exists, therefore, for banning CPL licensees from carrying on any state property at any time.

This bill should be passed.

The above is my personal opinion.

David Felbeck
Ann Arbor

Thanks so much for introducing this bill.
Isn't it time we excerised more common sense like this in all our legislation? The very notion that an otherwise law-abiding, responsible and safe CCW holder will magically become irresponsible and criminal just because he carries in a state game area is ludicrous and should be exposed as such.

It's been over 2 years, and still, those who opposed CCW in Mich still seem to be waiting for us to shoot someone. It won't happen. Please stop treating us with disrespect, like criminals, and pass this reform bill.

Best regards,

Skip Coryell
Michigan State Director
Ted Nugent United Sportsmen of America

Reps. Vagnozzi and Tobocman, having reserved the right to explain their protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted no on House Bill 4867 because the bill would prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from stopping people with loaded pistols or concealed weapons from coming into state parks, beaches and campgrounds. Our state parks should be a place where people can go with their friends, family and children to relax and be free from worry. Our citizens should not have to worry whether or not the person next to them has a loaded gun in their picnic basket."

Reps. Vagnozzi and Tobocman gave the following as the reasons as for their "No". vote. "Our state parks should be a place where people can go with their friends, family and children to relax and be free from worry. Our citizens should not have to worry whether or not the person next to them has a loaded gun in their picnic basket." Do they really feel that licensed law abiding citizens are the threat they should be worrying about? How many rapes, assaults, etc. are committed in state parks etc.by them? What makes a State Park be safer than any other area?

NJow we need to disban the DNR since they seem to have way too much power but no common sense on how it should be used. Personally I would rather see a conservation officer then a cop. Then maybe we would be back on track with the dnr, return them to what they were not as they are now. They use all kinda of tatics to drum up money in cluding tresspassing on private land, flying too low and well pertty much since it was changed to what they are now no longer seem to care about the land or the animals. Letting Deer starve to "stop Deer TB" is all a farse it isn't true and in fact Deer do not get it in the wild only when they are in close contact of the beef do they. Get it right DNR or close

Thank you Michigan Legislature for a good common sense approach and passing of this Bill. Dave