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House Bill 4284 would reduce the fee for a concealed pistol license renewal from $115 to $30. MCRGO supports the bill. As this bill neither expands nor restricts self-defense rights, it may receive a hearing in both the House and Senate this legislative session.
House Bill 4284 will be considered by the Michigan House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, November 5, at 10:30 AM in Room 521 of the House Office Building, 124 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933.
We encourage you to send a short email to your state representative. You can find your state representative HERE. Sending an email in your own words will receive more attention from legislators than form letters or petitions. However, feel free to copy and paste some of the arguments below in favor of the legislation that reflect your views.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF HB 4284
1. The CPL Fee Functions as a Financial Barrier to Constitutional Rights
• The Second Amendment and Article I, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution guarantee the right to keep and bear arms.
• Exercising a constitutional right should not depend on an individual’s ability to pay a high license fee.
• The current $115 renewal fee effectively prices out reduced-income Michiganders who wish to continue to carry concealed for self-defense.
2. Michigan’s Fees Are High Compared to Other States
• Many states charge substantially less for a comparable license:
• Indiana: $0 (eliminated license fees in 2020)
• Kentucky: $60 new and renewal
• Ohio: $67 for new, $50 for renewal
• Pennsylvania: $20 for new and renewal
• Wisconsin: $40 for new and renewal
• Michigan’s fees place it in the top tier nationally, despite automation and cost savings in the application process.
3. Modernization Has Reduced Administrative Costs
• Since shall issue became law in 2001, digital records and background checks have streamlined the renewal process, which is often done online.
• Fingerprinting, database checks, and application management are now routine, requiring less manual review and fewer labor hours than in past decades.
• The fee no longer reflects the actual administrative cost.
4. Reducing the Fee Encourages Legal, Responsible Carry
• Lowering fees promotes compliance with the law—encouraging lawful citizens to renew a license rather than carrying with an expired one.
• When law-abiding citizens are armed and trained, studies indicate improved deterrence and faster response to violent crime.
5. Fee Reductions Could Be Offset by Volume and Economic Impact
• States that have reduced or eliminated licensing fees, including renewal fees (e.g., Indiana, Texas before permitless carry), often saw a surge in applications, generating near-equivalent or even increased overall revenue.
6. Unequal Impact on Urban and Rural Residents
• CPL fees hit hardest in urban areas with higher crime rates—where citizens may most need to carry for protection.
• Many rural counties have lower median incomes, meaning the fee disproportionately affects them as well.
7. Reduced Fees Promote Gender and Minority Equality
• Women and minority citizens—often the fastest-growing groups seeking self-defense training—face a disproportionate economic barrier from high license costs.
8. A Step Toward Administrative Fairness
• CPL fees generate revenue for Michigan counties, yet some of them simply bank the surplus or use it for unrelated purposes.
• A reduced renewal fee would increase accountability and align with actual administrative costs.
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