Dear Neighbor,

Here is information that I hope you will find helpful, including updates and news from your state government.

Gun Violence Prevention, Safety Measures Signed by Governor

Gov. Whitmer signed legislation last week that requires universal criminal background checks for the purchase of any firearm and requires gun owners to safely store firearms where minors cannot access them. These bills were part of an 11-bill package to help prevent firearm-involved accidents, suicides and intentional shootings.

Bills to establish extreme risk protection orders, which allow the courts to temporarily remove firearms from those who pose a threat to themselves or others, have passed the House and will move to the Senate soon.

Expungement Fair at Cooley Law School

My special guests Sen. Sarah Anthony and Rep. Emily Dievendorf will join me to host an expungement fair on April 28, from noon to 5 p.m., at Cooley Law School — 300 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 — with Attorney General Dana Nessel, Safe and Just Michigan, Legal Services of South Central Michigan, and Capital Area Michigan Works! The pre-screening registration form has closed, but we are accepting walk-ins at the event.

Under Michigan’s “Clean Slate” expungement laws, individuals with up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors can have their records expunged. Note that this month, Michigan’s automatic expungement mandate went into effect, which allows for certain convictions to be expunged without an application. Find out more about Michigan’s new expungement laws here.

Cristo Rey Community Center Offers Variety of Resources

Cristo Rey in Lansing offers a wide variety of services, including food and prescription assistance, health care, counseling services and more, to people in need in the greater Lansing area. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, call (517) 372-4700.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative