Michigan residents who wish to purchase a firearm now doesn’t have to go through an unnecessary state criminal background check under bipartisan reform legislation approved just this week by the Michigan House, state Rep. Joel Johnson announced.

Federal law requires everyone who purchases a firearm coming from a federally licensed dealer to pass through an instant criminal background check. However, outdated state laws require Michigan gun owners to also pass a slower state background check which will require more paperwork.

“The unnecessary background check still required by the current law is against the citizens’ Second Amendment rights,” said Johnson, R-Clare. “This is yet another example of red tape and regulations which can be eliminated to make the government in Michigan more effective and responsive to residents’ needs.”

House Bill 5225 eliminates the state background check while HBs 5498-99 remove penalties for not completing the check.

The bills are now before the Senate for consideration.