State Reps. James DeSana and Mike Hoadley today introduced a legislative package to repeal Michigan’s outdated, stand-alone criminal prohibitions on short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors, protecting law-abiding gun owners from potential felony liability if federal requirements surrounding these items change. 

“Michigan residents should not suddenly find themselves facing felony charges because the federal registration process our state laws have relied upon may be changing,” said DeSana, R-Carleton. “Responsible firearm owners who followed every rule should not be punished because an outdated Michigan statute failed to keep pace with changes in federal law.” 

Michigan law currently restricts short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors while providing exceptions tied to compliance with federal law. A recent federal court ruling barred enforcement of certain National Firearms Act registration and approval requirements against the plaintiffs and other parties covered by the judgment after the applicable federal making and transfer taxes were reduced to zero. Changes to federal law made because of the ruling could create uncertainty for Michigan gun owners because existing state restrictions rely, in part, on the federal regulatory framework governing these items. 

Current state law provides felony penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both, for violations involving short-barreled rifles and shotguns. Michigan law separately prohibits firearm mufflers and silencers, subject to exceptions provided by law. 

DeSana’s House Bill 6285 removes the state-law definitions of “short-barreled rifle” and “short-barreled shotgun,” eliminates the prohibition on firearm mufflers and silencers, and repeals the separate criminal prohibition on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, easing state restrictions on responsible firearm owners. 

Hoadley’s companion House Bill 6284 updates Michigan’s felony sentencing guidelines to reflect those changes by removing the sentencing classification for possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun and removing “silencer” from the sentencing description associated with the state’s prohibited-weapons law. Hoadley’s legislation is tie-barred to DeSana’s bill, meaning the sentencing changes would only take effect if DeSana’s legislation is also enacted. 

“Law-abiding Michiganders should never face felony penalties for exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Hoadley, R-Au Gres. “Our laws need to focus on keeping dangerous criminals and illegal weapons off the streets while firmly respecting and protecting the rights of responsible firearm owners. These changes would bring Michigan’s sentencing guidelines more in line with that principle while maintaining appropriate penalties for conduct that truly threatens public safety.” 

The bills were referred to the House Judiciary committee for further consideration.