Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
ALLOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PROHIBIT http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
OPEN CARRY OF FIREARMS
Analysis available at
House Bill 4198 as introduced http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Glanville
Committee: Judiciary
Complete to 12-10-24
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4198 would amend 1990 PA 319, which prohibits local units of government
from imposing certain restrictions on firearms and ammunition. The bill would newly
allow cities, villages, townships, or counties to prohibit the open carry 1 of firearms within
their boundaries by adding open carry to the following list of currently regulatable
exceptions:
• Prohibit or regulate conduct with a pistol, other firearm, or pneumatic gun that is
a criminal offense under state law.
• Prohibit or regulate the transportation, carrying, or possession of pistols, other
firearms, or pneumatic guns by employees of that local unit of government in the
course of their employment.
• Require that a person below the age of 16 who is in possession of a pneumatic gun
within the boundaries of the local unit of government be under the supervision of a
parent, a guardian, or an individual 18 years of age or older (unless the possession
takes place on or within private property and the person below the age of 16 is
authorized by a parent or guardian and the property owner or legal possessor of the
pneumatic gun).
Firearm means any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted
to expel a projectile by action of an explosive.
Pistol means a loaded or unloaded firearm that is 26 inches or less in length, or a
loaded or unloaded firearm that by its construction and appearance conceals itself
as a firearm (defined by section 222 of the Michigan Penal Code).
Pneumatic gun means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or
pellet by spring, gas, or air. (This definition includes a paintball gun that expels by
pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the
point of impact.)
MCL 123.1103
1
The open carry (or open possession) of firearms is not explicitly regulated by statute. A person with or without a
concealed pistol license is allowed to openly carry a firearm in a public place as long as the person is carrying with a
lawful intent and the firearm is not concealed, with certain exceptions defined by section 5o of the firearms licensure
act (MCL 28.425o).
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4198 would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.
Fiscal Analyst: Aaron A. Meek
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency HB 4198 as introduced Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 123.1103
House Introduced Bill: 123.1103