Michigan Association of Police

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."

Senate Bill 80, sponsored by state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) is the senator’s first public act. The legislation updates the state’s criminal code for safe storage of firearms for child access protection.

Senate Bills 81 and 82, sponsored by state Senators Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), lower the costs of firearm safety devices to ensure owners can safely store their guns, keeping them away from children and out of the hands of criminals.

House Bills 4138 and 4142, sponsored by state Representatives Jaime Churches (D-Grosse Ile) and Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), protect Michigan communities by closing loopholes in the law and expanding universal background checks to all firearms.

“Every gun death is preventable, yet so many Michiganders, including me, have lost people they love to the senseless tragedy of gun violence,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today, we are taking action on commonsense reforms supported by a majority of Michiganders. Universal background checks and safe storage laws will save lives and help keep families and kids safe at home, in the streets, at school, and at work. These bills build on our ongoing investments in public safety and Operation Safe Neighborhoods to create safer communities where everyone can thrive. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to building on this progress and working with anyone to prevent gun violence.”

Click here for Gov. Whitmer’s full press release on gun violence legislation