Gov. Whitmer Signs Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Bills
Hour Detroit – Christina Clark
April 13, 2023
The bills were signed Thursday morning and will establish universal background checks and safe storage requirements.
On Thursday morning, after work with Michigan Legislature, community groups, law enforcement, students and parents, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation she proposed at her State of the State in January that will require safe storage of all firearms and establish background checks on gun sales in the state.
“Today, we are turning our pain into purpose and honoring those we have lost with commonsense gun violence prevention legislation supported by a majority of Michiganders,” Gov. Whitmer said in a press release. “Universal background checks and safe storage are long-overdue steps we are proud to take today that will save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and domestic abusers and children in the home.”
The bills that were signed were Senate Bills 79, 80, 81 and 82, and House Bills 4138 and 4142.
It also requires the Department of Health and Human Service to provide the public and federally licensed firearms dealers with lethal means counseling literature, inform the public of penalties and updates the “wording of notice” to require licensed firearms dealers to be on the premises where firearms are sold.
“Finally, there is a tiny stitch to begin healing my heart, broken from the Oxford school shootings, the MSU school shootings, and every injury or death from accidental shootings of or by children,” Sen. Bayer said in a press release. “Finally, we are doing our job, passing legislation, taking our first steps to manage this out-of-control gun violence situation in Michigan.”
“Firearm fatalities are currently the leading cause of death for young people in our nation,” Sen. Hertel said in a press release. “As a father, I am proud of the steps our state is taking today to change that and build a safer future for all.”
“Every gun death is preventable, yet so many Michiganders, including me, have lost people they love to the senseless tragedy of gun violence,” Lieutenant Gov. Gilchrist II said in a press release. “Today, we are taking action on commonsense reforms supported by a majority of Michiganders. Universal background checks and safe storage laws will save lives and help keep families and kids safe at home, in the streets, at school, and at work.”
“These bills,” he continued “build on our ongoing investments in public safety and Operation Safe Neighborhoods to create safer communities where everyone can thrive. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to building on this progress and working with anyone to prevent gun violence.”
