Weapons: firearms; firearms in certain state buildings; prohibit. Amends sec. 234d of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.234d).
HB 5747 would amend Michigan’s penal code to expand and clarify where firearms are prohibited. The bill keeps existing restrictions on carrying firearms in certain sensitive places such as financial institutions, churches, courts, theaters, sports arenas, day care centers, hospitals, and establishments licensed under the liquor control code, while preserving exceptions for security personnel, peace officers, concealed pistol license holders, and persons with permission from the property owner.
The bill also adds or reinforces firearm prohibitions around election-related locations and processes. It would bar firearms at polling places while polls are open, at early voting sites during early voting, within 100 feet of absentee ballot drop boxes for 40 days before an election, at city or township clerk offices used for in-person absentee voting during that same period, and at absent voter counting places while ballots are being processed. Additional exceptions apply for peace officers, people on their own property or in their residence, licensed concealed pistol holders in specified circumstances, and lawful transport in a vehicle.
A separate provision would prohibit firearms on the premises of the Michigan State Capitol Building, the Anderson House Office Building, and the Binsfeld Senate Office Building, while excluding parking areas from the definition of premises. The bill would make violations a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $100, or both.
The overall sentiment reflected by the bill text is precautionary and security-focused, emphasizing firearm restrictions in places associated with public safety, elections, and state government. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative debate in the available materials.
The main points of contention likely concern the scope of firearm-free zones, especially the election-related restrictions and the new prohibition at the state Capitol and legislative office buildings. Potentially affected groups include concealed pistol license holders, law enforcement, security contractors, election workers, legislators, and members of the public entering sensitive facilities.
HB 5747 would amend MCL 750.234d in the Michigan penal code by expanding firearm-free locations and adding specific election-related and Capitol complex restrictions. It would affect firearm possession rights in and around polling places, early voting sites, absentee ballot drop boxes, clerk offices, absent voter counting sites, and certain state government buildings, while preserving enumerated exceptions for law enforcement, licensed concealed carry, security personnel, and property owners or those with permission.
The bill appears to be driven by a public-safety and election-security rationale, with a generally restrictive posture toward firearms in sensitive locations. Because no committee testimony or vote history was provided, the available record does not show a documented partisan or stakeholder split, but the subject matter suggests likely support from those favoring tighter gun-free zones and likely concern from gun-rights advocates and concealed carry supporters.
The most likely areas of contention are the expanded firearm restrictions around elections and the Capitol/legislative office buildings. Opponents may view the 100-foot zones, the 40-day absentee ballot drop box restriction, and the limits on carrying in state government buildings as overly broad or burdensome to lawful gun owners, while supporters are likely to argue these measures reduce risks of intimidation, disruption, or violence in sensitive civic spaces. The exceptions for concealed pistol license holders, peace officers, and security staff suggest an attempt to balance access and safety, but the breadth of the prohibited zones remains the central issue.