Gun dealer licensing bills, Senior Project Fresh applications now open, and more

May 22, 2026 | State Rep. Kara Hope

Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that you will hopefully find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.

Legislation to Create State-Level Gun Dealer License Passes Senate Committee

 

The Senate version (SBs 853 and 854) of Rep. Hope’s legislation to create a state-level gun dealer license in Michigan recently passed in the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee and is now awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. Gun dealers in Michigan would be required to get this license to sell firearms. Rep. Hope introduced this legislation (HB 5065) in the House last year.

Gun sellers in Michigan are required to be licensed at the federal level. However, the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has historically lacked the resources or staff to perform inspections. Only 9% of federal firearms licensees (FFLs) are inspected during the course of an average year. Some sellers have not been inspected in over 10 years.

The gaps at the federal level leave an unacceptable public safety risk for communities everywhere. Other state legislatures have recognized the danger created by lax federal oversight and enforcement and, in response, they have created their own licensing systems for retail gun sellers. These state licenses have proved effective in reducing gun thefts.

Under the proposed legislation, license holders would be required to:

  • Perform background checks on all employees as a condition of their employment.
  • Complete annual training covering their security obligations, reporting obligations, and best practices to avoid straw purchases. Employees must also complete the training.
  • Report any lost or stolen guns or sales they suspect are straw purchases to law enforcement within 24 hours.
  • Increase security measures, including requiring an alarm system and a video surveillance system; guns and ammunition must be secured.
  • Renew their license every year. If a dealer does not renew their license, they must reapply.

Stolen guns are far more likely to go on to be used in other crimes. This legislation will keep firearms out of the hands of bad actors while holding gun dealers accountable.

Walter French Redevelopment Project Receives Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation

 

The Capital Area Housing Partnership recently received a 2026 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation for their redevelopment of the 100-year-old historic Walter H. French Junior High School in Lansing. The project transformed the neglected historic building into The Residences at Walter French — 76 affordable apartment units for Lansing families. This multi-use facility also includes space for a child care center and the new headquarters for the Capital Area Housing Partnership.

This innovative project was made possible in part by state funding, which Rep. Hope advocated for last term. This is a crucial investment in the heart of south Lansing.

Senior Project Fresh Applications Open

 

Michigan’s Senior Project Fresh program offers $25 in free benefits to use on fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Eligible participants must be Michigan residents and either:

  • Age 60 or older with a total household income of $28,952.50 or less for an individual, or $39,127.50 for a couple
  • Age 55 and older and belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group.

The program will be open through Oct. 31. Apply online, or contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 1-888-224-3030 option 5 to find out more information. Learn more about Senior Project Fresh here.

Attorney General Urges Seniors to be Alerts for Scams
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning seniors in Michigan to be alert for scams targeting older adults. Common signs of scams include being contacted suddenly with an urgent request, receiving pressure to act immediately, or being urged to keep conversations secret. To avoid being a scam victim, the attorney general encourages Michiganders to block unwanted calls and texts, not provide personal or financial information in response to a request that they did not expect, and contact businesses directly on a trusted website or phone number.

Visit the Michigan Attorney General’s Scam Protection website for information about common warning signs of scams, tips to help Michiganders protect themselves, and a reporting link.

AAA Offering Free Rides and Tows Memorial Day Weekend
AAA’s Tow to Go program offers drivers free rides and tows within a 10-mile radius over Memorial Day weekend. Service will be available from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26, at 6 a.m.. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO to request a ride. Rides can not be scheduled ahead of time. More information is available here.
Follow my official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. E-news contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days – up to a week – to get it approved and sent.

Sincerely,
Office of State Representative Kara Hope

In Case You Missed It . . .

Basic Needs Assistance Available Wednesdays at South Lansing Library

 

You can receive help getting identification, food, shelter, mental health care, and rehabilitation services every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Lansing Library, 3500 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48910. This service is available through a partnership between the Capital Area District Library and Advent House to offer drop-in basic needs assistance. A member of Advent House’s Street Outreach team will be available to assist. More information is available here.