MI Senate passes bills that would make firearms records confidential

The Michigan Senate has passed a package of bills that would safeguard the privacy of gun owners by making firearms records confidential.

If Senate Bills 49, 834 and 881 become law, firearms records would not be subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. The records would be available only to law enforcement officials and only under certain conditions:

· the person poses a threat to himself or herself or other people;

· the person has committed an offense with the firearm that violates a state law, a law of another state or federal law;

· the person’s firearm was used during the commission of an offense that violates a state law, a law of another state or a U.S. law;

· or to ensure the safety of a peace officer.

A violation would result in a civil infraction and possibly a $500 fine. The bills have been sent to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration.