Legislation signed to clarify definition of firearms

Airsoft guns such as paintball, BB or pellet guns will no longer qualify as firearms under state law due to legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“These measures address the confusion that has arisen over Michigan’s varying definitions of firearms,” Snyder said. “The bills were overwhelmingly supported in both the House and Senate, and will give sportsmen and other residents the clarity they have sought on this issue.”

One bill repeals criminal penalties for minors possessing airsoft guns while another revises the definition of firearm in various state statutes.

Other bills expand the definition of “weapon” within weapon-free school zones to include pneumatic guns and address the authority of local governments to regulate airsoft guns.