Legislative Services
Governor Whitmer signs extreme risk protection orders in effort to prevent gun violence
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed gun violence prevention bills establishing extreme risk protection orders in Michigan, ensuring police officers, health care professionals, and family members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms.
Whitmer was joined by bill sponsors, legislators, public safety advocates, and law enforcement officials at the bill signing.
“No Michigander should fear going to school, work, the grocery store, or their own home because of
gun violence,” Whitmer said. “Extreme risk protection orders have been proven to reduce suicides, save lives, and keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and violent criminals. I am proud to sign this legislation to keep Michiganders safe, and I want to thank my partners in the legislature for getting this done, the advocates who fought so hard to make this happen, and every Michigander who works hard to build safe communities where everyone can thrive. Only thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. Let’s keep taking commonsense action to reduce gun violence and keep families and communities safe.”
“Too many Michiganders have lost people they love to the senseless tragedy of gun violence,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today, we are taking action to save lives, prevent tragedies, and protect communities. Extreme risk protection orders, safe storage laws, and universal background checks will save lives and help keep families and kids safe at home, in the streets, at school, and at work. Governor Whitmer and I will continue investing in public safety and working with anyone to prevent gun violence.”
Whitmer signed Senate Bill 83 and House Bills 4146, 4147, and 4148.
“In the aftermath of gun violence tragedies, we often hear from families who said that they knew their loved one was in a dark place, but there was nothing they could do to get the guns out of the equation,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “That will not be the case any longer. I am so proud and relieved that this lifesaving policy has made it across the finish line. Whether it’s domestic violence, homicide, mass shootings, or suicide, we want to address gun violence in all its ugly forms. This legislation helps law enforcement and the courts do that effectively and swiftly, and Michigan will be a safer place because of it.”
Read more: Governor Whitmer signs extreme risk protection orders in effort to prevent gun violence
Gun violence prevention laws signed by Michigan Governor
Legislation signed into state law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on April 13, will require universal background checks for all firearms purchases and safe storage of weapons.
Whitmer proposed the legislation in January during her State of the State address and worked together with the Michigan Legislature, law enforcement agencies, community groups, students and parents to get the gun violence prevention measures signed into law.
The legislation follows two deadly mass school shootings in the state in recent years – at Michigan State University in February 2023 and Oxford High School in November 2021.
“Today, we are turning our pain into purpose and honoring those we have lost with commonsense gun violence prevention legislation supported by a majority of Michiganders,” Whitmer said. “Universal background checks and safe storage are long-overdue steps we are proud to take today that will save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and domestic abusers and children in the home. I want to thank my partners in the legislature for getting this done, the advocates who fought so hard to make this happen, and every Michigander impacted by gun violence who shared their stories. We will keep working together to prevent mass shootings, reduce gun violence, and save lives.”
Gov. Whitmer signed Senate Bills 79, 80, 81, and 82 and House Bills 4138 and 4142.
"This legislation is a commonsense approach to keeping children and communities safe,” said Marquette County Sherriff Gregory Zyburt. "These bills will ensure those that do not qualify to purchase guns, don't. I'm thankful to work alongside legislators to prevent gun violence and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who intend to harm others."
Read more: Gun violence prevention laws signed by Michigan Governor
Karoub Associates releases Michigan Government Directory for 102nd Legislature 2023-2024
Karoub Associates released the Michigan Government Directory for the 102nd Legislature (2023-2024), which features contact information for the Governor's office, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Legislature and State Department Directors. The directory also lists legislative committee members and subcommitee members.
Whitmer announces cabinet, agency leadership for second term
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced several changes in leadership for various State Departments. The governor also announced promotions for staff in the executive office.
The governor has selected Dan Eichinger as acting director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); Michelle Lange as director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB); Adam Hollier as director of the Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA); Brian Hanna as executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA); Brad Wieferich as acting director of the Department of Transportation (MDOT); Kathy Angerer as acting director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); and Shannon Lott as acting director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Below are the bios of those appointed:
Dan Eichinger, Acting Director of EGLE
Dan Eichinger will serve as the acting director of EGLE. Dan is currently the director at the Department of Natural Resources, where he has served since 2019. Before entering the administration, Dan was the executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, where he helped re-establish MUCC as a driving force for conserving Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. Eichinger earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University. He also obtained a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Under Liesl Clark's leadership, EGLE played a lead role in the state's response to historic floods and high waterlevels; effectively managed record-breaking, bipartisan investments in water infrastructure; established the state’s first drinking water standards for PFAS; guided the City of Flint in establishing a backup water supply; and supported the City of Benton Harbor as it replaced its lead service lines in less than one year. Clark also helped develop and launch the MI Healthy Climate Plan to create jobs, lower energy costs, and advance equity while putting Michigan on the path to carbon-neutrality.
Read more: Whitmer announces cabinet, agency leadership for second term
Sen. Peters shares new PACT Act VA benefits information
Approaching Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Gary Peters has been spreading the word about new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources available to Michigan veterans.
"Many of our nation’s heroes are suffering as a result of being exposed to harmful substances like Agent Orange or toxic burn pits during their service," Peters wrote in an email to constituents. "That’s why I was proud to help pass the Honoring Our PACT Act into law to finally ensure these veterans, along with their survivors, can obtain their long-overdue health care and benefits through the VA."
Peters traveled across Michigan to meet with local veterans and their families to raise awareness about these new benefits.
The VA is expected to begin processing claims under this new law in January, however, veterans can now file claims and apply for PACT Act-related benefits by calling the Veterans Administration (VA) at (800) 698-2411 or filing a claim online for disability benefits and/or VA health care.
Please click here for Peters' press release about the PACT Act.
Click here for a Q & A and more PACT Act details.
For further assistance navigating the new benefits, contact Sen. Peters office toll free at (844) 506-7420.
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