Should you have to get training and a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol? Some lawmakers say no. They are backing a bill that would get rid of such requirements in Michigan.
“Why does big brother need to know who I am if I want to carry a weapon?” asked Rep. Peter Lucido, R-Macomb County, who is also an attorney.
Lucido co-sponsored bills that would change Michigan’s gun laws. Right now as long as you don’t have a felony conviction or history of severe mental illness, you can carry a gun out in the open. If you want to carry a concealed pistol, however, you need a permit. Lucido says it is unnecessary.
“It is a right, a constitutional, guaranteed second amendment right,” said Lucido.
“I think my gun sales would increase. I think accessories for those guns would increase,” said Bill Kucyk, Owner of Action Impact Firearms & Training in Southfield. “ But I don’t think everything is about money.”
Kucyk says he would benefit financially from the proposed changes in law, but is against them. Kucyk is also an attorney. He argues people don’t have a constitutional right to ignorance.
“You need to know the law as it relates to when you can and cannot use a gun. It is not open season,” said Kucyk.
“People do training all the time without being mandated to do so,” counters Lucido.
“We have hunter safety classes. Are you going to do away with those? Are you going to let people just go out into the wood with shotguns and rifles?” asks Kucyk.
“People used to drive cars without drivers licenses,” said
“There is no compelling state reason for the government to know who has these weapons,” said Lucido.
The package of bills (HB 4416-4419) could be debated in the House of Representatives as soon as next month. It would still need approval from the Senate and the governor in order to become law.
