State Rep. Lee Chatfield's Pro Gun Bill Ends Mandatory Pistol Registration+Civil Infractions

State Rep. Lee Chatfield

By Brandon Hall
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)

State Rep. Lee Chatfield has introduced legislation that would eliminate bureaucratic hassles for Michigan gun owners who buy pistols. House Bill 4675 would end the requirement for people who buy pistols to register them with the state's "Pistol Entry Database," and also eliminates the $250 civil infraction for those who fail to register.

The legislation also adds an opt-out provision for those who don't want to register their pistol with the state but already have done so.

The legislation says:

"IF AN INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS THAT HIS OR HER INFORMATION BE REMOVED FROM THE PISTOL ENTRY DATABASE, THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE SHALL REMOVE THAT INFORMATION WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE REQUEST.

THE STATE POLICE SHALL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY AN INDIVIDUAL BY FIRST-CLASS MAIL THAT HIS OR HER INFORMATION HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE PISTOL ENTRY DATABASE."

Chatfield's bill also eliminates the following $250 fine for those who don't register. The following would no longer be true:

"A purchaser who fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be fined not more than $250.00. If a purchaser is found responsible for a state civil infraction under this subsection, the court shall notify the department of state police of that determination."

Chatfield's legislation has many sponsors and is likely to have a positive reception in the House Judiciary Committee. Stay tuned...

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 Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics 

Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com

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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson