Just Weeks After Shooting at MSU, Michigan House Passes Background Checks Legislation
Lansing, Mich. — The Michigan chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement applauding Michigan House lawmakers for voting to pass House Bill 4138 this evening, a critical and foundational gun violence prevention bill that would require background checks for all unlicensed gun sales. This vote comes just weeks after the horrific shooting at Michigan State University, in which three students were shot and killed, and five others shot and wounded by a shooter who had previously exhibited dangerous warning signs.
“Communities across Michigan continue to reel from the trauma of gun violence,” said Celeste Kanpurwala, a volunteer with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We thank Michigan House lawmakers for moving with urgency in passing this lifesaving bill and look forward to swift progress on other legislation awaiting a vote. This is how we honor with action.”
Last week, Michigan Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II, State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Speaker of the House Joe Tate, joined Michigan State University student and Students Demand Action volunteer, Saylor Reinders and Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Senior Vice President for Movement Building at Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, to discuss the state of play for gun violence prevention measures in the state, highlighting the urgent need to pass these foundational gun safety laws. All three legislative leaders shared their prioritization of gun safety measures. Video recording of the call is available here.
House Bill 4138 was introduced by Michigan legislators alongside legislation to require the secure firearm storage and legislation to create an Extreme Risk law, which temporarily removes firearms from those who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. Tomorrow, Thursday, March 9, at 11am ET, the Michigan Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety committee will hold a hearing on all three bills for the second time. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers will be in attendance and have advocated tirelessly for these critical bills.
