Lawmakers work toward safer communities with better protections
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 4, 2024 — State Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), alongside End Violence Michigan, spoke at a press conference at the Capitol today on firearm reform legislation working its way through the Legislature.
Across the country, secondary gun markets have sprung up — from ghost gun creations to reselling firearm parts rather than destroying the weapons when voluntarily relinquished or confiscated. House Bills 6144, 6145 and 6146 were introduced recently to address multiple loopholes by requiring the Michigan State Police to destroy all parts of collected firearms.
“The clock is ticking this term — we must be optimistic that we can and will get these bills across the finish line. We all have a part to play in making Michigan safer,” said Brabec, chair of the Michigan Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus and sponsor of HBs 6144 and 6145. “I will tirelessly seek to diminish gun violence and advocate for better mechanisms that will save lives — gathering today with fellow lawmakers, stakeholders and others who are dedicated to common-sense reforms demonstrates the commitment by so many to do the same.”
Earlier this term, the Legislature passed bills to curb gun violence, from establishing extreme risk protection orders to requiring universal background checks and keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers. Recently, the House passed HBs 5450 and 5451, which requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to develop information on the firearms safe storage laws for schools to distribute to parents and guardians.
“We’ve worked very hard to pass good legislation that keeps firearms out of the wrong hands, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners,” said MacDonell, sponsor of HB 5450. “Now it’s important that Michiganders know the details of these laws so we can all do a better job keeping our children safe at home and in school.”
Another preventive resource is community violence intervention, a public approach to gun violence prevention and education. State Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Township) sponsored HB 6046, which would allow Medicaid to cover patient CVI assistance when needed.
“The reason CVI is so important is that alternatives to violence can be found and focused on,” Morse said. “It is important that those tied up in violence have a way out and that there are resources available to realign them on a new path. House Dems are taking a comprehensive approach to ending gun violence.”