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HB 4855

Weapons: firearms; possession of a pistol by a bow hunter; allow. Amends sec. 43510 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.43510).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 32 co-sponsors

Allows bow hunters to transport or carry a loaded pistol in areas frequented by wild animals, even without a concealed pistol license, within NREPA rules.

recommendation concurred in
#naturalresources:hunting #weapons:firearms
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Bill Summary · HB 4855

Summary — HB 4855 (2025) — Allow carrying/transporting a pistol while bow hunting

Sponsor: Rep. Dave Prestin
Statute amended: MCL 324.43510 (Sec. 43510 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, NREPA)
Introduced: filed 3/13/2025; rerecorded/introduced 9/9/2025
Status (most recent): Reported with recommendation (substitute H‑1); recommendation concurred in (11/05/2025)
Companion bill: SB 1235

Purpose

HB 4855 would amend NREPA to make clear that the act (and rules or orders issued under it by the Department of Natural Resources or Natural Resources Commission) does not prohibit an individual who is hunting game with a bow and arrow from transporting or carrying a loaded pistol — whether concealed or not — regardless of whether the person holds a concealed pistol license or otherwise is exempt from licensing under state law.

Key provisions

  • Amends MCL 324.43510 to add a new basis for carrying/transporting a pistol while in areas frequented by wild animals:
    • Current law already exempts persons who hold a license to carry a concealed pistol (or who are otherwise authorized to carry without a license under certain Penal Code provisions). HB 4855 adds "the individual is hunting game with a bow and arrow" as an additional circumstance where NREPA cannot be construed to prohibit transporting or carrying a loaded pistol (concealed or openly).
  • Proposed substitute (H‑1) clarifies limits on that authorization:
    • The H‑1 summary states the bill would prohibit using the pistol to take or dispatch game during archery season, except when the game endangers the individual’s life or safety. (The bill text further states the subsection “does not authorize an individual to take or attempt to take a wild animal except as provided by law.”)
  • Retains existing interaction with Michigan concealed-carry law (1927 PA 372) and Penal Code sections (e.g., MCL 750.227).

Who is affected

  • Primary: individuals hunting with a bow and arrow (archery hunters) in Michigan who desire to carry or transport a pistol while hunting.
  • Secondary: Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Commission (rules interpretation), law enforcement, and other hunters who may encounter armed bow hunters.
  • No change to licensing or concealed-carry law outside the narrow NREPA context.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Filed 3/13/2025; various readings and committee referrals followed.
  • Reported out with a substitute (H‑1) on 11/05/2025 with recommendation for referral to Rules; recommendation concurred in. Further steps would include consideration by the Rules Committee and subsequent floor action.

Fiscal impact

  • House Fiscal Agency: unlikely to directly affect costs or revenues for the DNR, NRC, or local governments (FY 2025‑26 budgets: NRC ~$77,100 gross; DNR ~$543.2 million gross).

Additional notes

  • Statutory context: Section 43510 governs possession of firearms and other hunting devices in areas frequented by wild animals; current law already contains limited carve-outs tied to concealed-carry licensing and certain Penal Code authorizations.
  • The bill does not amend Michigan’s concealed‑carry statutes; it modifies only how NREPA and DNR/NRC rules apply to bow hunters carrying pistols.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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