03/04/2026
BREAKING - House Republicans are for concealed carry without a permit. Co-Sponsor Rep Brian BeGole states why.
Lansing, MI - Friends Community News Group, March 3, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET - Michigan House Republicans introduced a package of bills Tuesday, March 3, that would allow most people who can legally possess a firearm to carry a concealed pistol without first obtaining a state-issued permit.
The proposed legislation — House Bills 5653 through 5657 — was introduced and sent to the House Judiciary Committee.
Michigan currently requires a Concealed Pistol License, or CPL, to carry a concealed handgun. Carrying a concealed pistol without that license is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, Republicans supporting the proposal say.
Supporters describe the bills as “constitutional carry” legislation and argue the permit requirement turns a constitutional right into a government-issued privilege. Under the package, Michigan residents could still choose to obtain a CPL — for example, to preserve reciprocity when traveling to other states that recognize Michigan permits — but the license would no longer be required for concealed carry within Michigan, according to the report.
The package also would eliminate the requirement to complete a safety course as a condition of carrying concealed without a permit, while keeping training requirements in place for those who still opt to get a CPL, according to USA Carry’s summary of the proposal.
If enacted, Michigan would become the 30th state to adopt some form of permitless concealed carry, supporters said at an announcement for the bills, according to the report.
Brian BeGole states -
As a State Representative with over three decades in law enforcement, I’ve always believed protecting public safety and protecting constitutional rights go hand in hand.
Law-abiding citizens in Michigan already have the ability to openly carry a firearm, and this legislation simply makes sure that exercising that same right doesn’t become a felony because someone puts on a jacket or sweatshirt.
It doesn’t eliminate the CPL process for those who want a license for reciprocity with other states, it just removes unnecessary barriers for responsible citizens who want to protect themselves and their families here at home.
Criminals don’t follow permit laws, honest citizens do. Constitutional carry respects both the rule of law and the fundamental right to self-defense protected under our federal and state constitutions.