State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103rd District) spells out the motivation behind his latest bill simply as "we have had some problems with some counties not being able to issue permits in a timely manner especially since the CCW permit requests are on the rise."

More people want to be able to carry concealed weapons here in Michigan. Permits to do so are on the rise and that's lead to a problem according to the Rep. Sheltrown in the form of delay of up to 6 months for processing, "there are a couple of counties that are very bad, none of ours up here but some in lower Michigan that are very bad at issuing permits in a timely manner."

So to try and speed things up, he introduced House Bill 6048. Essentially, it would move the power currently held by county gun boards and transfer it to the Secretary of State's office. Rep. Sheltrown says by processing all applications in a central location, using common applications not only would it speed up the process, but it would be more convenient for applicants. Most county gun boards meet once a month during business hours, but Rep. Sheltrown says the Secretary of State could provide longer hours on more days to meet residents' needs. In his words, Rep. Sheltrown admits that county gun boards once served an important role, but since Michigan became a "shall issue state" the need for them has been less important. He says if you meet the requirements and pass the background check you will get a permit and that the days of judgment calls often made in the past by gun boards are essentially long gone. Rep. Sheltrown wraps it up simple "the gun board is mainly just a formality at making you feel good."

As you can imagine not everyone agrees. Benzie County Undersheriff William Sholten says "I would like to suggest that our time and interest is a little more profound that that."

Undersheriff Sholten, along with a state trooper and the prosecutor make up the Benzie County Gun Board. I asked him what he thought about the transfer of power away from the gun board and he explained "I think we provide a very vital checkpoint for people who are applying to obtain weapons to be able to carry concealed."

Once a month, the board sits down, review applications and check to make sure that those who should have permits get them, and vice versa. Undersheriff Sholten feels "the local flavor is important because we know these people better."

While knowing a person isn't enough a reason to reject their permit, knowing how to read a background check is. Undersheriff Sholten says that's where having experienced prosecutor, deputies and troopers pays off "we are going to have access to information the Secretary of State will not have access to. That's what I am really concerned about. Most times you pit safety versus convenience, convenience wins."

So what do you think? Would your rather have the Secretary of State's office handled CCW permits? Would you rather have local law enforcement reviewing applications? Let me know, leave a comment below.