HB 5916 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the legal age threshold for criminal contempt penalties associated with violating personal protection orders. The bill changes the age requirement from 17 to 18 years old, meaning individuals aged 18 and older who violate such orders face immediate arrest and potential felony charges with a maximum prison sentence of 181 days and a fine of up to $500. This change directly affects adults who are subject to restraining orders and law enforcement officers who enforce them. The amendment clarifies sentencing guidelines for adult respondents while maintaining existing protections for minors.
This bill requires individuals in Michigan to obtain a license before purchasing, carrying, possessing, or transporting any firearm, including both pistols and other firearms. It establishes specific eligibility criteria for licensing, such as being at least 18 years old (21 for pistols), being a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and having completed a pistol safety training course. The legislation also mandates that law enforcement officials issue licenses to qualified applicants without unnecessary delay, unless there is probable cause to believe the applicant poses a threat or would commit a crime. Additionally, the bill requires firearm sellers to complete and submit license forms documenting each transaction, with specific reporting timelines for pistol purchases.
This bill expands Michigan's existing weapon-free zone laws to include all state-owned or leased buildings, with the exception of state-run shooting ranges. It directly affects individuals licensed to carry concealed firearms or exempt from licensing requirements by prohibiting them from carrying weapons in these new state facilities. The amendment clarifies that "premises" excludes parking areas and maintains existing exemptions for law enforcement, security personnel, judges, and other licensed professionals who are employed by or contracted to work at these locations. Violations of the prohibition could result in fines and suspension or revocation of a concealed carry license.
This bill prohibits licensed concealed pistol carriers from bringing firearms into specific state buildings and certain public venues, including schools, hospitals, sports arenas, and places of worship. It also bans portable electro-muscular disruption devices in these same locations, with exceptions for parking areas and certain law enforcement personnel. The legislation applies to all licensed individuals except retired police officers, security contractors, private investigators, and other designated law enforcement roles who are permitted to carry weapons on these premises. Violations result in civil fines, license suspensions, or criminal penalties depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense.
This bill prohibits individuals from carrying firearms in specific state buildings, including the Michigan State Capitol, the Anderson House Office Building, and the Binsfeld Senate Office Building, with exceptions for security personnel, peace officers, and licensed concealed pistol carriers serving as legislators. It also expands existing restrictions by banning firearms in polling places, early voting sites, and within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes for 40 days before an election, while allowing law enforcement and licensed carriers to carry in these areas. The legislation applies to various other locations such as financial institutions, churches, courts, theaters, sports arenas, day care centers, hospitals, and licensed liquor establishments, with similar exemptions for security staff, peace officers, and permit holders. Violations of these provisions are classified as misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $100, or both.
HB 4680 would make it a misdemeanor to refuse to remove a face covering when law enforcement requests it, if the person was wearing the mask to conceal their identity while threatening others, intimidating a group, or violating a state law or local ordinance. Currently, wearing a mask to hide identity during a crime is already a misdemeanor, but this bill adds officers' authority to stop and ask for removal in those specific situations. Refusing such a request would carry a penalty of up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. The bill directly affects individuals wearing face coverings in contexts involving potential threats, group intimidation, or ongoing law violations.
