Michigan Senate Committee Hears Testimony on Gun Dealer Licensing Bills
Michigan lawmakers heard testimony on bills requiring state licenses for gun dealers as Gov. Whitmer joined a Capitol rally supporting gun safety measures.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — The Michigan Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony Tuesday on legislation that would create state-level licensing requirements for firearm dealers and establish additional regulations around gun sales.
Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) testified before the committee on Senate Bills 853 and 854, which would implement comprehensive licensing standards for gun dealers across the state.
“We’re trying to bring down a state standard to ensure that in Michigan we have a set of specific rules and regulations that every gun dealer is abiding by,” Camilleri told committee members during Tuesday’s hearing.
Training Requirements for Dealers
The proposed legislation would require the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to develop a mandatory training course for firearms dealers and their employees. The course would cover gun safety protocols as well as business practices designed to prevent firearms from being used for harmful or illegal purposes.
Under the bills, dealers and their employees would need to pass a written examination based on the training course content to obtain and maintain their licenses. The legislation establishes specific operational requirements that licensed dealers must follow.
Sales Restrictions and Reporting Requirements
The proposed laws would prohibit dealers from selling weapons to anyone who is intoxicated, suspected of being a safety risk, or otherwise ineligible to purchase firearms. Dealers would also be required to notify law enforcement within 24 hours if they suspect an ineligible individual attempted to purchase a weapon.
Provisions in the legislation would require dealers to report any lost or stolen inventory to authorities. The bills represent part of ongoing efforts to strengthen gun safety measures at the state level.
Capitol Rally Draws Gun Safety Advocates
The committee hearing coincided with a rally on the west steps of the Michigan Capitol, where members of Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, and Everytown For Gun Safety gathered to call for further action to address gun violence within the state.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the rally, demonstrating administrative support for enhanced gun safety measures as the legislature considers the dealer licensing proposals.
The Senate committee’s consideration of the bills follows similar legislation introduced in the House by Rep. Hope, indicating bipartisan legislative coordination on the firearm dealer licensing initiative. The committee has not yet announced when it will vote on the measures.
The proposed licensing system would expand state oversight over firearm sales, moving beyond existing federal regulations to establish Michigan-specific standards for gun dealers operating within state boundaries.
