LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2023 — The House Criminal Justice Committee met this morning and voted in favor of House Bills 4945 and 4946. These bills would prohibit possession of firearms and ammunition by persons convicted of misdemeanors involving domestic violence for an eight-year period, helping to protect families and communities from gun violence. These bills will next come up for a vote on the House floor. After the vote, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), chair of the House committee, issued the following statement:

“If you truly care about children and survivors of domestic abuse, you’d support these bills as they are. My fellow Democratic colleagues and I know that we need to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of violent criminals, and any real victims’ advocate would say the same; unfortunately, I cannot say all of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle understand how important it is to not put limitations on these measures. As chair, I am proud to support these bills, as they are, and our continued efforts in putting people first with the legislation the committee supported today. These bills protect Michiganders from gun violence and enact safeguards so those who are known to commit violence cannot have swift and easy access to a firearm. It is essential that domestic violence survivors have our full support, not support with caveats or limitations. Not to mention that the thoroughness of this legislation helps to better prevent violence happening to others in the future. I look forward to these bills coming to a vote on the House floor. You can count on a yes vote from me.”