CONCEALED PISTOL LICENSE RENEWAL

Senate Bill 525 as passed by the Senate

Sponsor: Sen. Goeff Hansen                                                (Enacted as Public Act 32 of 2012)

House Committee:  Judiciary

Senate Committee:  Judiciary

First Analysis (2-8-12)

BRIEF SUMMARY:  The bill would allow CPL holders to apply to renew a license up to six months before the current license expires and establish an effective date for the renewed license.

FISCAL IMPACT:  The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State or on local units of government.

THE APPARENT PROBLEM:

Under current law, a concealed pistol license (CPL) is valid for at least four years but no more than five years and expires on the holder's birthdate.  However, the law is unclear about how soon before a license expires a CPL holder can submit a renewal application.  It also is unclear when a renewed license would take effect.  It has been suggested that the law be amended along the lines of driver's license renewals.

THE CONTENT OF THE BILL:

Senate Bill 525 would amend the handgun licensure law, Public Act 372 of 1927 (MCL 28.425l), to allow a renewal application for a concealed pistol license (CPL) to be submitted up to six months before the current license expires.  If approved by the licensing board, the effective date of the renewal license would be the expiration date of the current license or the date the renewal application was approved, whichever is later. 

As now, the renewed license would expire on the applicant's date of birth that is not less than four years or more than five years from the effective date of the license.

Currently, a concealed pistol license issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2006, is valid until the applicant's date of birth that falls not less than four years or more than five years after the license is issued or renewed.  A renewal of a license generally must be issued in the same manner as an original license.  The concealed weapon licensing board must issue or deny a renewal license within 60 days after an application for renewal is properly submitted.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ACTION:

The committee reported the Senate-passed version of the bill without amendment. 

ARGUMENTS:

For:

The bill would clear up confusion regarding when a renewed concealed pistol license takes effect and also how early a licensee can submit a renewal application before the current license is set to expire.  The law is clear about how to apply for an initial license, how long that license is valid, and when it takes effect and when it expires.  But as written, the law appears to allow a renewal application to be submitted at any time after the initial license is issued.  Also, depending on when a person submits a renewal application and the time needed for local officials to review, approve, and process the application, the renewal may not be approved until after the current license expires.  It is not clear in these cases when the renewed license takes effect.

Under the bill, a license holder could apply to renew his or her CPL no more than six months before the current license expires.  If approved by the licensing board, the renewed license would take effect on the expiration date of the current license (the holder's birthdate).  If the renewal application is approved after the current license expired, then the renewed license would take effect on the date renewal was approved.

POSITIONS:

The Michigan Association of County Clerks supports the bill.  (2-2-12)

The Michigan State Police indicated support for the bill.  (2-2-12)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Bob Schneider

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.