Michigan Senate Approves Gun Bill Without Protection Order Provision

By DAVID EGGERT
Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Senate on Tuesday again voted to overhaul how concealed gun licenses are issued in Michigan, removing a provision related to personal protection orders that led Gov. Rick Snyder to veto similar legislation nearly three weeks ago.

The bills, approved 28-9 by the Republican-led chamber and sent to the House, would speed up the renewal of concealed carry permits and eliminate county licensing boards, transferring their responsibilities to county clerks and the Michigan State Police effective Oct. 1.

The state police would have the responsibility for verifying whether an applicant is eligible.

A license lasts for four to five years. A renewal would have to be issued or denied within 30 days instead of the current 60-day deadline under the bills.

The legislation does not include a provision that would let some people who have personal protection orders against them still obtain concealed weapon licenses if the orders did not contain gun restrictions.

Snyder, a Republican, cited the provision and his concerns about domestic violence victims when vetoing the bills on Jan. 15.

The new legislation also would reduce the application fee from $105 to $100 and require the state police to create a system for renewing online or by mail by October 2018.

The bills are the first to clear either legislative chamber in the new two-year session.

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