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HB 4479

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 Introduced by Noah Arbit and 25 co-sponsors

Michigan bill mandates serial numbers on all firearm components to prevent untraceable gun assembly and aid crime investigation.

bill electronically reproduced 05/08/2025
#weapons:firearms #weapons:other
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Bill Summary · HB 4479

Legislative bill overview

HB 4479 would amend Michigan's firearms law to require serial numbers on all firearm components, not just complete firearms. Currently, only finished receivers and frames typically require serialization under federal law. This bill would expand serialization requirements to parts like slides, barrels, and other components that could be assembled into functional firearms.

Why is this important

Serial number tracking on components could help law enforcement trace firearm origins and investigate crimes, while also potentially making it harder to manufacture untraceable "ghost guns" from parts. Conversely, this creates compliance costs for manufacturers and retailers, and raises questions about whether component-level tracking would meaningfully reduce gun violence or simply shift enforcement challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturing and cost burden: Serializing every component significantly increases production costs, potentially raising consumer prices and placing compliance burdens on businesses
  • Effectiveness debate: Critics argue serial numbers on parts don't prevent crime if assembled illegally; supporters contend it closes the "ghost gun" loophole for untraceable weapons
  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue this constitutes regulatory overreach, while public safety advocates counter it's reasonable regulation of commerce in firearm materials

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

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