05/09/2019- Legislation sponsored by U.P. state Representatives Beau LaFave and Greg Markkanen labeled as protecting Michiganders’ private property rights from government overreach was advanced on Tuesday by the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee. The House Bill 4331 allows individuals to transport uncased, loaded long-barreled firearms on private land using any kind of vehicle. The same freedoms are already permitted for pistols, crossbows and slingshots. Any person transporting a loaded long-barreled firearm under current Michigan law could be imprisoned up to 90 days and fined up to $500. The new plan removes this violation and LaFave says the change would be beneficial to responsible, law-abiding citizens – notably farmers looking to better protect their livestock and hunters with disabilities. HB 4331 advances to the House Judiciary Committee, where LaFave serves as vice-chair.