State Rep. Matt Hall (R-Emmett Township) has authored bipartisan legislation to protect Michigan citizens with concealed pistol licenses from unfair prosecution in the event they simply forget to renew their license. House Bill 4434 has 13 Democrat cosponsors and 19 Republican cosponsors.

Currently, a CPL holder can be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $2,500 fine if he or she is found in possession of a concealed pistol one day after his or her license expires.

“A felony conviction forever changes a person’s life,” Hall said. “He or she may struggle to find a job, suitable housing, and his or her right to possess a firearm is suspended. It is unfair for an otherwise law-abiding gun owner to become a felon because of a paperwork oversight.”

Under Hall’s plan, a CPL holder who is found concealed carrying within one year of his or her CPL expiring and is eligible for renewal would be subject to a civil infraction and a $330 fine. If the individual renews his or her CPL within 60 days of the citation, no fine would be issued.

“The current punishment does not fit the crime,” Hall said. “A CPL holder must pass a criminal background check to obtain a license. These are law abiding citizens. This is common-sense criminal justice reform.”

House Bill 4434 now moves to the House Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security Committee.