LANSING, Mich., April 27, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Witmer signed into law this week House Bill 4143, which is part of a House legislative package to prevent gun violence in Michigan. HB 4143, introduced by state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), expands background checks to help close loopholes and gaps that can have dangerous and deadly consequences. After the bill signing, Grant issued the following statement: 

 

“As the country is in the midst of passionate discourse around gun legislation, I am so proud to see Michigan embracing commonsense legislation. My bill, which changes language to require background checks for all firearms, is a key step in addressing the crisis of gun violence in our communities.” 

 

Background: 

HB 4143 is Rep. Grant’s first bill to be signed in as a public act (PA). The policy requires an individual to have a license or a federal national instant background check to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a firearm and modifies various provisions to refer to a “firearm” license instead of a “pistol” license. This legislation is part of ongoing efforts to institute commonsense reforms to end gun violence, recognizing it as a public health crisis. Along with bills to require background checks, House Democrats have also introduced legislation to create safe storage laws and establish extreme risk protection orders.