Email from MCRGO   MICHIGAN COALITION FOR RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS "Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation." MONDAY E'NEWS House Proposes Constitutional Carry This past week, legislation was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives to provide for permitless concealed carry, popularly referred to as constitutional carry. While Michigan already has constitutional carry in the form of permitless open carry, it is heavily restricted by statutory law. This legislation would strike many of those restrictions and also apply the permitless aspect to concealed carry. The introduction of permitless concealed carry legislation in Michigan is not new. MCRGO testified in support of similar bills five years ago. It is also not the first time this session, as Senate Republicans introduced permitless concealed carry legislation last June. Legislative Republicans in both chambers understand it is extremely unlikely this legislation will become law this session given Democratic control of the State Senate and an anti-gun governor. However, reintroduction of permitless concealed carry keeps the discussion alive for future years. As more states adopt permitless concealed carry, an important question arises: what role should firearms training organizations play? For groups dedicated to responsible gun ownership and education, such as the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, supporting permitless concealed carry is entirely consistent with promoting safety and training. Constitutional rights should not depend on a government-issued permit, yet education and skill remain essential parts of responsible firearm ownership. Rights should not depend on a permit. The right to bear arms is a fundamental constitutional right. Law-abiding citizens should be able to exercise their right freely without the administrative barrier of a license. Training should be encouraged, not mandated. A firearms training organization believes education is valuable, but responsible citizens should seek training voluntarily rather than because of a government mandate. Permitless carry removes economic barriers. License fees, training costs, and unpaid time off can make licensing difficult for lower-income individuals, effectively turning a constitutional right into something only some people can afford. Law-abiding citizens benefit most. Permitless carry laws apply only to people who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Criminals who carry guns illegally already ignore license requirements. Self-defense should not require prior government approval. Citizens should not need to ask the government for permission before carrying a tool to defend themselves and their families. Training organizations remain essential. Even without a legal mandate, many people still seek professional instruction for safety, skill, and confidence. Permitless carry increases interest in voluntary training. Other states show the model works. Dozens of states, including Indiana and Ohio, have adopted permitless carry while maintaining robust firearms training communities and strong cultures of responsible gun ownership. Concealed pistol licenses would still exist as an option. Optional licensing allows citizens to obtain reciprocity for interstate travel and facilitates pistol transfers while not forcing everyone into the system. Focus enforcement on criminals, not paperwork violations. Removing licensing requirements reduces the risk that otherwise law-abiding citizens face penalties simply for administrative mistakes. A culture of responsible gun ownership is stronger when built voluntarily. Encouraging education, safety, and responsibility through training organizations helps build a stronger firearms community than relying solely on mandates. Permitless concealed carry does not diminish the importance of firearms education; it highlights it. Voluntary pursuit of training, as opposed to state mandates, embodies a culture of responsibility and personal commitment to safety. Organizations like MCRGO remain vital in providing the knowledge, skills, and guidance that help citizens exercise their rights wisely and responsibly. In this way, constitutional freedom and responsible training work hand in hand. Map source: USCCA Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Do you support Michigan becoming a permitless concealed carry state? UPCOMING EVENTS Ultimate Sports Show Thursday-Sunday, March 12-15, 2026, Hours Vary by Day DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW; Grand Rapids, MI 49503 MCRGO's booth number is 2153. NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19, 2026, Hours Vary by Day George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX MCRGO will represent Michigan at Friday's State Clubs & Associations Workshop More information is available HERE. Southeast Michigan Picnic of Michigan's Allied Gun Groups Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11 AM to 1 PM Tuscola County Conservation Club, 1060 Gun Club Rd, Caro, MI 48723 No RSVP is necessary for this event. There is no cost to attend. More information can be found HERE. RENEW YOUR MCRGO MEMBERSHIP Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email MCRGO | PO Box 2294 | Grand Rapids, MI 49501 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice