GIFFORDS Lauds Michigan Senate for Passing Lifesaving Gun Safety Bills
GIFFORDS has worked closely with lawmakers to pass legislation, including conducting polling and running ads
Lansing, MN — GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, applauded the passage of universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, safe firearm storage provisions, and other critical gun safety measures that will save lives in the Michigan Senate. In 2021, more than 1,500 people died from gun violence in the state. The Oxford and Michigan State University communities are still reeling from the trauma of mass shootings. GIFFORDS has worked closely with lawmakers to pass this critical legislation. In addition to holding a rally with Congresswoman Giffords on March 15, GIFFORDS conducted polling and ran ads in support of the legislation.
Peter Ambler, GIFFORDS Executive Director:
“We applaud the Michigan Senate for having the courage to act and passing these critical gun violence prevention measures. Every day Michiganders are losing their lives to gun violence. Our recent poll shows that Michganders are demanding their leaders act, and today they did. GIFFORDS won’t stop until these critical bills are on the governor’s desk and signed into law.”
More on the gun safety bills:
- Universal Background Checks: Currently, Michigan’s law requires the buyer of a handgun to have either a handgun purchase license or a license to carry a concealed handgun if the seller is not a federally licensed dealer. Transfers of rifles and shotguns by private sellers (individuals not licensed as firearms dealers) are not subject to background checks in Michigan. This legislation would close this loophole and require background checks on all sales and transfers.
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders: Extreme risk protection orders provide a proactive way to stop mass shootings, suicides, and other tragedies by temporarily intervening to suspend a person’s access to firearms if they show clear warning signs of violence. This legislation would create a process for extreme risk protection orders in Michigan.
- Safe Firearm Storage: Safe storage laws are critical to preventing firearm theft and stopping children or others who should not access guns from accessing them. This legislation will create penalties for people who allow children to access firearms.
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