Committee adopts H-1 substitutes and reports three bills after sponsor says law enforcement auctions unaffected

The Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee adopted substitute language for two bills and voted to report three measures with recommendations on the final hearing of the session.

Representative Bridal, who sponsored the package, told the committee she worked with the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriffs Association on the changes and said both associations "are now neutral" on the substitute bills. She described the package as "straightforward" and said she was available to answer questions.

During questioning, Representative Song asked whether the changes would prevent law enforcement agencies from selling seized or surplus firearms. Representative Bridal responded, "the law will remain the same" and said law enforcement "will continue to be able to" hold auctions to federally licensed firearms dealers to preserve revenue streams.

The committee adopted the H-1 substitute to HB 6145 on a voice/roll-call procedure; the clerk announced "10 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pass" and the motion prevailed. The H-1 substitute to HB 6146 was adopted in a subsequent roll-call; the clerk announced the motion prevailed with "10 yea, 0 nay."

The committee then voted to report HB 6144 with recommendation; the clerk announced "6 yays, 4 nays, 0 pass." Representative Rogers moved to report HB 6145 as substituted with recommendation; the chair announced the motion prevailed. Representative Song moved to report HB 6146 as substituted and the motion prevailed; both substituted bills were reported with recommendations.

The chair read submitted position cards into the record. Cards listed included a neutral card from Rep Brayback, a position from the Michigan Sheriffs Association (read as opposing on the card), the NRA (supporting on the card), Brady/United Against Gun Violence (listed as not wishing to speak), the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (supporting on the card), the Giffords Foundation (supporting on the card), and the League of Women Voters of Michigan.

Chair Conley closed the session by thanking committee members, staff and policy advisors and noting the committee's work this session on veterans' mental health and staffing reform. With no further business and no absent members, the committee adjourned.

Votes at a glance: "H-1" substitute to HB 6145 — adopted (chair announced 10 ayes, 0 nays); report HB 6144 — reported with recommendation (chair announced 6 yays, 4 nays); HB 6145 as substituted — reported with recommendation; HB 6146 as substituted — reported with recommendation.

The committee did not adopt any statutory changes during the hearing beyond reporting the bills with recommendations; next steps will follow the legislature's regular committee-report process.