LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A Michigan Senate committee gave a thumbs up to a package of gun reform bills on Thursday, less than one month after their introduction in the shadow of the MSU mass shooting.
The eleven bills would establish various gun restrictions, including safe gun storage requirements, universal background checks for long guns, and “red flag” laws. Those would allow a court to temporarily take away gun access for someone who is suicidal or homicidal.
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In a late night vote on Wednesday, the House passed three bills that would require universal background checks.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the package of bills when it eventually reaches her desk.
We’re taking action in Michigan and working together to deliver commonsense gun reform.
These proposals will help keep guns out of the hands of people who represent a danger to themselves or others.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) February 28, 2023
State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), represents one of the names being floated as a possible replacement for retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. She had this to say on MSNBC.
Mood this morning as Dems in #mileg:
✅expand civil rights act to protect LGBTQ
✅repeal 1931 abortion ban
✅repeal so-called Right to Work
✅pass common sense gun safety reform
✅expand EITC and repeal retirement tax on seniorsDon’t sleep on Michigan or state legislatures 💪 pic.twitter.com/k2xJuBn5QF
— Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) March 9, 2023
Meanwhile on the other side of the aisle, State Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) spoke out against what he calls “overreach” legislation.
“We all know that placing new onerous requirements on honest, law-abiding gun owners is not going to stop criminals who set out to commit evil acts of violence,” Borton said. “These bills create a false sense of security for people who want to see the government ‘do something’ – without truly doing anything to address the mental health issues that are the root cause of violent crime in our society.”
The Michigan Legislature is on track to pass gun reform measures by the end of the month.
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