MICHIGAN FIREARMS FREEDOM ACT S.B. 63:
FLOOR SUMMARY
Senate Bill 63 (as reported without amendment)
CONTENT
The bill would create the "Michigan Firearms Freedom Act" to do the following:
-- Specify that a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition manufactured in Michigan, and remaining within the borders of the State, would not be subject to Federal law or regulation under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce.
-- Specify that generic and insignificant parts and firearms accessories imported from another state would not subject a firearm to Federal interstate commerce regulation.
-- Require a firearm manufactured or sold in Michigan under the Act to have the words "Made in Michigan" clearly stamped on a central metallic part, such as the receiver or frame.
-- State several legislative findings.
The Act would apply to firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition that were manufactured and retained in Michigan on or after October 1, 2013. It would not apply to a firearm that could not be carried and used by one person; a firearm that had a bore diameter greater than 1.5 inches and that used smokeless powder, not black powder, as a propellant; ammunition with a projectile that exploded using an explosion of chemical energy after the projectile left the firearm; or a firearm that discharged two or more projectiles with one activation of the trigger or other firing device.
"Manufactured" would mean that a firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition has been created from basic materials for functional usefulness, including forging, casting, machining, or other processes for working materials.
"Firearms accessories" would mean items that are used in conjunction with or mounted upon a firearm but are not essential to the basic function of a firearm, including telescopic or laser sights, magazines, flash or sound suppressors, folding or aftermarket stocks and grips, speedloaders, ammunition carriers, and lights for target illumination. "Generic and insignificant parts" would include springs, screws, nuts, and pins.
Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on local or State law enforcement agencies under State and Federal firearms laws as they currently stand. In the future, should the Federal government establish new or additional firearms regulations that differed from established State regulations, the bill's exemption from Federal regulations for firearms manufactured and remaining in Michigan could result in less required policing of firearms laws by State and local law enforcement agencies than otherwise would have been required.
Date Completed: 1-24-13 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.