LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Lana Theis on Thursday announced new legislation that would ensure county clerks issue and renew concealed pistol licenses regardless of any government shutdown.
“Throughout Gov. Whitmer’s unconstitutional shutdown of Michigan, county clerks across the state have infringed on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights by refusing or delaying the issue or renewal of concealed pistol licenses under the guise of public safety,” said Theis, R-Brighton, who turned in the bill on Thursday. “The law is clear that clerks shall issue concealed pistol licenses to those who are qualified, and my bill will ensure that this essential service continues regardless of any declared state of emergency or executive order. The right of the people to exercise their constitutional freedoms to defend their life and property doesn’t stop during an emergency.”
The bill would exempt county clerks from a shutdown order, so they may continue to issue and renew concealed pistol licenses. The clerk’s office and law enforcement would also be required to continue providing the fingerprinting services necessary to obtain a new concealed pistol license as well.
Additionally, the bill would enable county clerks and the Michigan State Police to provide personal identification numbers to concealed pistol license holders, so they may renew their licenses online during any declared emergency. This method is similar to the secretary of state’s issuance of such numbers for driver’s license and license plate tab renewals.
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