LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2023 — House Democrats introduced common-sense gun reform legislation today. The bill package focuses on tackling gun violence via three central reforms — universal background checks, secure storage laws and extreme risk protection orders. Democrats have previously introduced gun reform legislation; however, after the fatal mass shooting at Michigan State University, there is an urgent call for bipartisan support to end gun violence and increase public safety. State Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) issued the following statement supporting the legislation:
“I was horrified when I learned of the mass shooting that took place at MSU, and deeply saddened to hear that one of my constituents was a victim. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they go through this tragic loss. Please know that there are resources that can help you during these difficult times, and I am more than happy to help you connect with them.
“However, in addition to my thoughts and prayers, I am doing what I can as a legislator to prevent more shootings like this one from occurring. No family should have to receive the call that their child was killed in a shooting.
“This is why I am honored to be one of the sponsors of the bill package. Enough is enough; our legislature should have taken action decades ago to prevent gun violence. Now is the time to tackle the issue. These bills will help prevent gun violence by implementing universal background checks on all gun sales, mandating the secure storage of firearms and allowing citizens to file extreme risk protection orders. These bills are a first step toward ending gun violence in our state.”