LANSING, MI — House Bill 4586, introduced by State Representative Jason Woolford (R-MI), received a hearing before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee on November 12, 2025. The proposed legislation seeks to lower the minimum age to obtain a concealed pistol license (CPL) from 21 to 18, aligning state law with constitutional protections outlined in recent court decisions and existing firearm laws.
Rep. Woolford opened the hearing with a firm defense of the bill’s rationale, calling it a “simple but meaningful update” to Michigan’s firearms law. He emphasized that the bill would not alter any current training requirements, background checks, or disqualifying offenses. “Every safeguard that exists in our current concealed carry process remains fully intact,” he testified. “The only change is recognizing that an 18-year-old adult… should be trusted to exercise the same right of self-defense.”
During his remarks, Woolford highlighted the inconsistency in Michigan’s firearms laws, where 18-year-olds can already possess a pistol and open carry, and in some cases, purchase one through private sales — yet are prohibited from obtaining a concealed carry license. He pointed to his own military service at 19 as an example of young adults trusted with serious responsibilities. “At the time, I was firing M60s, rocket launchers, and 9mm handguns,” he said. “But back home, I would not be allowed to buy a pistol..”
Under the bill, all current CPL requirements would still apply, including background checks through the Michigan State Police and FBI, a safety training course with live-fire instruction, and verification that the applicant is not subject to any disqualifying criminal or mental health conditions. The only proposed change is in Section 5b(7)(a) of Michigan’s CPL law — amending the minimum age from 21 to 18.
That it is a matter of constitutional consistency and fairness. They noted that 18-year-olds are already recognized as legal adults, eligible to vote, join the military, sign contracts, and be held fully accountable under the law. Testimony referenced the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which reaffirmed the broad protections of the Second Amendment and sparked legal challenges to age-based restrictions.
Legal precedents since Bruen have increasingly supported the notion that 18-to-20-year-olds are among “the people” whose right to keep and bear arms is constitutionally protected. “Restricting these rights creates an inconsistency in the law,” Woolford told the committee.
HB 4586 also addresses public safety concerns by emphasizing that concealed carry licensure adds layers of vetting and training not required for general firearm possession. Supporters argue that allowing trained and licensed young adults to carry concealed weapons legally could improve safety in vulnerable environments, such as college campuses or late-night jobs.
As Woolford stated, “This bill ensures that responsible, trained 18-to-20-year-olds can exercise their constitutional rights within the same framework as everyone else — lawfully, safely, and with accountability.”
HB 4586 has garnered support from organizations including the NRA, Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, and Michigan Open Carry. These groups testified in favor of the bill, echoing the call for legal consistency and individual rights.
If passed, Michigan would join a growing number of states that have lowered the minimum age for concealed carry licensure in compliance with recent judicial rulings.
This legislation is a clear example of how Second Amendment protections continue to be defined and defended in the post-Bruen legal landscape. Young adults who are otherwise trusted with every other responsibility of citizenship should not be excluded from their right to self-defense simply because of their age.
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