Michigan Lawmaker Wants to Rid State of Requirement to Register Pistols

Michigan state rep. wants to end mandate that gun owners register pistols, says it violates their civil rights.

Jake Neher/WDET

A member of the Michigan House wants to eliminate a requirement that gun owners in the state must register their pistols. 

Michigan Rep. Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) contends that since criminals do not register their handguns, forcing Michiganders who legally buy a pistol to register their weapon does little to reduce crime.

He is introducing legislation to eliminate the $250 fine for not registering a handgun.

His proposal would also let those with weapons that are currently registered request that the state remove them from its associated database.

Chatfield argues in a statement that requiring gun owners to register pistols violates their civil liberties.

A state House committee is expected to take up the plan for further consideration.

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.