Michigan House Introduces Constitutional Carry Bill That Would Remove Permit Requirement

House Bill 5653 Would Make Michigan 30th State To Adopt Permitless Concealed Carry

Lansing, Mich. — Michigan House Republicans have introduced legislation that would eliminate the permit requirement for carrying a concealed pistol, making Michigan the 30th state to adopt what gun rights advocates call constitutional carry.

House Bill 5653, introduced by Rep. Joseph Fox, R-Fremont, would allow eligible gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without first obtaining a permit from the state, removing the mandatory concealed pistol license training requirement.

The proposal focuses specifically on removing the CPL requirement for those already eligible to possess a pistol. It does not alter existing background check requirements, mental health provisions, or purchase restrictions.

It basically is a shout out to the fact that this is what the Constitution says. We have the right to bear arms, Fox said.

Under the bill, citizens who pass background checks and meet ownership requirements could carry concealed firearms without the additional training and permit process currently required in Michigan.

Constitutional Carry Trend

The move toward constitutional carry is part of a broader national trend in gun laws. Before 2015, only four states allowed permitless concealed carry. Today, 29 states do.

In Michigan, where gun ownership has remained relatively high, the CPL requirement has been a point of contention among gun rights advocates. Around one in six people in northern lower Michigan has a concealed pistol license, representing the highest concentration in the state.

It's going to make it a lot easier for people that want to protect themselves, said Tony Romanowski, a concealed pistol license instructor with 32 years of experience. The thing is, bad people are going to carry and do bad things. They're going to do it with or without constitutional carry.

Even instructors who teach CPL classes often support removing the requirement, saying it would increase self-reliance among lawful gun owners.

Public Safety Concerns

Opponents of the bill argue that removing permit requirements would put more guns in public spaces and potentially make communities less safe.

The good news is those laws are actually working, said Ryan Bates, executive director at End Gun Violence Michigan. In the last year, we saw unintentional shootings of children go down 60% and that's the result of our safe storage law.

The question is how do you know who's a bad guy with a gun? You don't know until they start shooting, Bates said.

Where It Stands

The legislation must now go before the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. If approved there, it would then move to the full House and later the state Senate for a vote.

Michigan currently requires individuals to complete an eight-hour concealed pistol license course covering firearm safety, Michigan gun laws and proper storage before obtaining a permit to carry concealed. Applicants submit to a background check through Michigan State Police. If they pass, they receive a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

The bill would make that course and permit unnecessary for eligible gun owners, though other gun laws would remain in place, including gun-free zones in schools and churches, and required disclosure to police.

Sources:

• https://www.9and10news.com/2026/03/12/michigan-bill-aims-to-remove-permit-mandate-for-carrying-concealed-pistols/
• https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/ipr-news/2026-04-02/michigan-bill-to-allow-permitless-concealed-carry-unlikely-now-but-follows-a-national-trend