04/03/2026
Michigan Lawmakers Push to Make the State the 30th Constitutional Carry State
A group of lawmakers in Michigan is working to remove the state’s concealed carry permit requirement, a move supporters say would restore the right to bear arms without needing government permission.
The proposed legislation, introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives, would allow law-abiding residents to carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a concealed pistol license (CPL).
Supporters say the change would align Michigan with 29 other states that already allow some form of Constitutional Carry.
What the legislation would change
Currently in Michigan:
• Open carry is legal without a permit
• Concealed carry requires a CPL permit, fees, and a safety course
• Carrying concealed without a permit can be charged as a five-year felony
Under the proposed legislation, the permit requirement would be removed for eligible gun owners.
However, the CPL system would still exist for those who want it, particularly for reciprocity when traveling to other states.
What supporters are saying
Supporters of the bill argue that requiring citizens to obtain permission before exercising a constitutional right is fundamentally flawed.
State Rep. Jay DeBoyer said the issue is about protecting a core right:
“For the government of the state of Michigan to tell us we must be qualified under their rules in order to protect ourselves is a far cry from what the Constitution provides.”
Supporters also point out that other constitutional rights like free speech or religious worship do not require permits, fees, or mandatory training classes before they can be exercised.
What opponents argue
Critics say removing the permit requirement could reduce safety training for gun owners and increase risks associated with concealed carry.
Gun control advocates argue the current process helps ensure people carrying concealed fi****ms understand the law and safe handling practices.
What happens next
The legislation faces a difficult path forward. Even if it passes the Republican-controlled House, it will likely face strong opposition in the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate.
If the proposal eventually became law, Michigan would become the 30th Constitutional Carry state in the U.S.
The debate reflects a broader national conversation about whether the right to bear arms should require government approval — or whether that right exists independently of permits and licensing systems.
