LANSING, Mich., Feb. 28, 2023 — House Democrats have introduced legislation today to increase firearm safety and protect Michigan residents from gun violence. The bill package focuses on tackling gun violence via three central reforms — universal background checks, safe storage laws and extreme risk protection orders. Democrats have made an urgent call for bipartisan support to end gun violence and increase public safety. State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) sponsored one of the bills on universal background checks. After the legislation was introduced, she issued the following statement:
“Today, I am proud to offer a piece of legislation that will help expand background checks in Michigan to include shotguns and rifles. My bill specifically amends our sentencing guidelines to bring it into accordance with the new background check requirements.
“The people of Michigan, including gun owners, have been calling for commonsense reforms for decades, and I am proud to introduce this bill and prove that we are legislating by the will of the people. Someone who wants to own a gun, particularly shotguns and rifles, should be required to have a simple background check. This will work to ensure that firearms don’t fall into the hands of those who will use them to harm themselves or others. This bill, alongside the others our caucus is introducing this week, is long overdue and will be an essential factor in preventing senseless tragedies in our communities.”