You may or may not know this but in Michigan once you obtain your CCW (Carry a Concealed Weapon) which is simply a slang term for a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) that does not necessarily mean you can conceal carry in any state.

It is my understanding that the process Michigan has in order to obtain an CPL is so good that 41 total states (including, obviously, our own home state) do recognize the license and will allow you to conceal carry. In fact, we lead the country in that ranking.

However that is not the case for many other states.   The Washington Free Beacon is reporting on a bill that was introduced by Congressmen Richard Hudson (R., N.C.) titled the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. This bill would require states to recognize each other’s gun carry permits just as they recognize each states drivers and wedding licenses.

Now I can understand to a point some people concerns about this bill, what if other states have very relaxed CPL programs and processes in which their citizens can obtain a CPL? Since this proposed legislation would also force states recognize non-resident permits issued by other states, it would be an infringement of states' rights. For instance, one has a Michigan CPL but commits one of the 80+ enumerated misdemeanor offenses in our state that would cause your CPL to be revoked, then one could apply for a non-resident permit from another state with less stringent requirements and then Michigan would have to let you carry again legally. This is an infringement of Michigan's right to set and enforce our standards in our state.

Would it be best to set some type of basic requirements for obtaining a CPL from any state and then implement this Reciprocity Act? If so would you agree with me that non-resident permit should not be allowed, for the reason stated above?

The Live with Renk Show airs Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon. To let me know your thoughts during the show please call (269) 441-9595

More From 1240 WJIM AM