CPL Digest: August 29, 2026
Michigan CPL holders have a lot to track this week. From a potential expansion of weapon-free zones to landmark court decisions affecting your carry rights, here is everything that matters — plain English, no legal jargon.
1. Michigan Legislature
HB 6284 & HB 6285 — Repealing Michigan's SBR, Shotgun, and Suppressor Bans
Relevance: High
Representatives DeSana and Hoadley introduced these two bills on August 27. If passed, they would repeal Michigan's stand-alone criminal bans on short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors. Michigan's current law has been effectively outdated since a federal court blocked the NFA registration process, leaving state law in conflict with federal reality.
What it means for you: This does not directly affect your CPL. However, if you own or are considering NFA items, these bills would remove the separate state criminal exposure that exists today. Worth watching as they move through the legislature.
SB 850 — Expanding Weapon-Free Zones to All State Buildings
Relevance: High
Senator Bayer's bill would amend MCL 28.425o to prohibit CPL holders from carrying in any state-owned or state-leased building. Under current law, weapon-free zone rules apply to a defined set of locations. This bill would add every state-owned or leased building to that list.
What it means for you: If this passes, a significant number of locations where you can currently carry as a licensed CPL holder would become off-limits. Government offices, state agency buildings, and any facility the state owns or leases would be included. This is the kind of expansion that catches carriers off guard. Pay attention to this one.
2. Michigan Courts
People v. Wilkins — Michigan Supreme Court
Relevance: High
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the odor of marijuana alone cannot justify a vehicle search or the seizure of a concealed pistol license holder's firearm during a traffic stop.
What it means for you: This is a direct protection for CPL holders. Law enforcement cannot use marijuana smell as the sole basis to search your vehicle or take your firearm. If you have ever had questions about your rights during a traffic stop as a CPL holder, this ruling strengthens your position significantly.
People v. Dantzler — Michigan Court of Appeals (August 14)
Relevance: High
The Court of Appeals held that a CCW charge cannot serve as the predicate offense for a felony-firearm charge. In plain terms, prosecutors cannot stack a felony-firearm charge on top of a CCW violation to elevate the severity of the case.
What it means for you: This is a meaningful limitation on how charges can be structured against someone who lawfully carries. It does not change what you should and should not do, but it is a significant ruling in how the courts interpret carry-related charges under Michigan law.
3. Federal
DOJ Firearms Rights Restoration Final Rule — Effective September 21
Relevance: High
Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on August 17 that the DOJ is reinstating 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), which allows certain individuals with nonviolent felony convictions to apply to the ATF to have their federal firearms rights restored. This process has been dormant since Congress defunded it in 1992.
What it means for you: If you know someone with a nonviolent felony conviction who lost their gun rights, this rule — effective September 21 — opens a formal application path through the ATF. This does not affect Michigan's separate restoration process, and a federal restoration does not automatically restore state rights. Anyone pursuing this should work with an attorney familiar with both federal and Michigan firearms law.
SCOTUS Assault Weapons Brief — Viramontes v. Cook County / Grant v. Higgins
Relevance: Medium
A consolidated brief was filed August 28 before the U.S. Supreme Court in two cases challenging assault weapons bans — Viramontes v. Cook County (Illinois) and Grant v. Higgins. The Supreme Court granted certiorari on June 30.
What it means for you: This is a case to watch nationally. The Court's eventual ruling will determine whether state-level assault weapons bans survive constitutional scrutiny under the Bruen standard. No ruling yet, but this will have broad implications for lawful gun owners across the country.
Wolford v. Lopez — SCOTUS June 25 Ruling
Relevance: Medium
In a 6-3 decision on June 25, the Supreme Court struck down Hawaii's law requiring CPL holders to obtain express authorization before carrying on private property open to the public. The ruling means that businesses must affirmatively post no firearms signage to prohibit carry — the default is now carry-permitted, not carry-prohibited, on private property open to the public.
What it means for you: This shifts the burden from the carrier to the property owner. If a location wants to prohibit carry, they must post notice. Absent that notice, your CPL is valid. This mirrors the framework most Michigan CPL holders are already familiar with under state law, but it is now a federal constitutional principle extending to states with more restrictive rules.
4. Michigan CPL & Self-Defense News
Macomb County — Two Fatal Shootings Ruled Justified (August 9)
Relevance: Medium
The Macomb County Prosecutor's office ruled two separate fatal shootings that occurred on August 9 as justified self-defense. No charges were filed in either case.
What it means for you: Prosecutors evaluate each case on its facts. Two separate rulings of justified force in the same county on the same day are a reminder that Michigan law does protect people who use lawful force in genuine self-defense situations. The outcomes are not automatic, however — every case is reviewed individually, and documentation, witness accounts, and the specific circumstances all matter.
5. National Self-Defense Cases
People v. Skroko — Antioch, Illinois (August 28)
Relevance: Medium
A Lake County, Illinois jury convicted Johnathon Skroko of first-degree murder on August 28 despite a self-defense claim. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Skroko faces 45 years to life in prison. The case involved a fatal altercation with drug-related circumstances in the background.
What it means for you: This case is a cautionary example. Self-defense claims are evaluated against the totality of circumstances — who was involved, what led up to the confrontation, and whether force was truly necessary. When complicating factors are present, juries do not always find for the defense. Training matters. Situational awareness matters. And knowing when not to engage matters just as much as knowing how.
Stay Current All Year
The law changes, courts rule, and legislators introduce new bills every week. Michigan CPL holders need to know what those changes mean before they end up in a situation where it matters.
The CPL Renewal Guide — available at $34.99 per year — gives subscribers ongoing access to legislative updates, Michigan and federal court decisions, government contacts, a 3-hour CPL renewal guide, news articles, and company recommendations, all curated and explained in plain English.
Christine Barnes has trained more than 15,000 students across Michigan over 12+ years. Concealed Carry Training Company offers CPL classes at multiple Michigan locations and digital resources for licensed carriers statewide.
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