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SB 331

Weapons: firearms; requirement for all firearm components to contain serial numbers; provide for. Amends 1927 PA 372 (MCL 28.421 - 28.435) by adding sec. 14c.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan bill requires serial numbers on all firearm components, not just finished guns, to prevent untraceable "ghost gun" assembly while raising compliance and constitutional concerns.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
#weapons:firearms #weapons:other
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Bill Summary · SB 331

Legislative bill overview

SB 331 amends Michigan's firearm regulations to require that all firearm components—not just complete firearms—contain serial numbers. This expands existing serialization requirements beyond finished weapons to include individual parts that could be assembled into functional firearms, particularly addressing the "ghost gun" or unserialized firearm issue.

Why is this important

Serialization requirements allow law enforcement to trace firearms used in crimes back to their origin and original purchasers, which aids criminal investigations and accountability. The expansion to components targets the growing practice of assembling untraceable firearms from individually purchased parts that lack identifying markings, a method that circumvents current background check and registration systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates argue comprehensive serialization of all components infringes on constitutional rights and amounts to de facto registration of gun owners
  • Manufacturing and compliance burden: Small manufacturers and hobbyists may face significant costs and complexity in serializing every component, potentially affecting domestic production
  • Enforcement practicality: Questions exist about how serialization of internal springs, pins, and other small parts would be practically implemented, verified, and enforced
  • Privacy and tracking: Opponents worry serialization creates a pathway toward government tracking of individual gun ownership and usage patterns

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

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