Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Celebrates Signing of Gun Safety Laws in Michigan
GIFFORDS has worked closely with lawmakers to pass legislation, including conducting polling and running ads
Lansing, MN — Today, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, founder of the gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, applauded Governor Whitmer for signing a package of gun safety measures into law. The bills include universal background checks and other critical gun safety measures that will save lives. 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.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“This is a great day for Michganders. The gun safety bills signed into law today will undoubtedly save lives and make the state of Michigan a safer place to live. No one should have to go about their lives and fear gun violence. Today’s bill signing was a major step forward to stopping gun violence in Michigan. We thank Governor Whitmer, Speaker Tate, Leader Brinks, and all the legislators who supported these important bills and the advocates who made this bill a reality.”
Jon Gold, President of the Michigan Chapter of GIFFORDS Gun Owners for Safety:
“The passage of safe storage and universal background checks legislation in Michigan is a significant step towards ensuring that responsible gun ownership is prioritized and that our state’s residents are protected from gun violence. As a gun owner, I understand the importance of protecting the Second Amendment rights of citizens. And as a survivor of gun violence, I am also acutely aware of the devastating impact that firearms can have on families and communities. We applaud Michigan lawmakers for their leadership and urge other states to follow their example.”
More on the gun safety bills:
- Universal Background Checks: Michigan’s old law required 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) were not subject to background checks in Michigan. This legislation closes this loophole and requires background checks on all sales and transfers.
- 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.