State Rep. Matt Maddock today celebrated the passage of his bill that strikes a blow against bureaucratic roadblocks and restores common sense to Michigan’s concealed pistol licensing system.

“One of the greatest things about this country is our ability and right to defend ourselves against bad people,” said Maddock (R-Milford). “And I think the last person that should get in the way of that sacred right is a bureaucrat. And that’s happening in Michigan.”

House Bill 4980 ends a broken, unfair practice that forces law-abiding gun owners to suffer through months-long delays simply because of where they live. Under the bill, Michigan residents would be allowed to apply for a new or renewed concealed pistol license (CPL) through the county clerk of any county in Michigan, rather than being limited to the county where they reside.

“For too long, gun owners have been punished by an inefficient system that treats their constitutional rights like a low priority,” said Maddock. “This bill puts power back in the hands of the people instead of unaccountable bureaucrats that can’t get their act together.”

While some counties process CPL applications quickly, others face backlogs that can leave applicants waiting for months, effectively denying citizens their rights through delay and red tape. Maddock said HB 4980 puts an end to that nonsense by allowing applicants to go where the service actually works.

“This is a practical reform that respects the time and rights of responsible citizens,” said Maddock. “It cuts through bureaucracy and makes our government more responsive and efficient.”

House Bill 4980 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.