Bill > SB0853

This bill, titled "Occupations: business licensing and registration; license to sell firearms at retail; provide for," proposes to amend existing Michigan law to establish a new licensing requirement for individuals and entities engaged in the business of selling firearms. Specifically, it mandates that beginning 18 months after the initial rules are established, any "dealer" – defined as someone in the wholesale or retail business of selling firearms who holds or is required to hold a federal firearms license, and who sells more than eight firearms in a 12-month period – must obtain a state-issued license for each location where they conduct business. To obtain this license, applicants must pay a $250 fee, possess a federal firearms license, meet local government licensing requirements, and provide an affidavit confirming that they and their employees are at least 21 years old, eligible to possess firearms, and have no disqualifying criminal history related to firearms, theft, assault, or violent crimes. The license, which is not transferable and expires annually, requires a prominent display of a certificate of licensure and renewal for $200. The bill also mandates that dealers and their employees who handle firearms complete an annual training course covering state and federal firearm laws, identifying illegal activities, preventing theft, and firearm safety, and pass a related examination. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is responsible for developing this training and examination, and can deny, suspend, or revoke a license for violations of the section or related laws. The bill also specifies that "dealing firearms" means selling firearms as a regular course of trade or business, excluding occasional sales for personal collections or hobbyists, and those solely engaged in gunsmithing services.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-SB-0853