Michigan Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud Introduction Of Background Checks Legislation

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the introduction of legislation that would require background checks on all gun sales – expanding the current law to apply to all types of firearms. Under current Michigan law, background checks are only required for handgun sales. This legislation would require background checks for all gun sales.

“This is exactly the kind of common-sense legislation that Michiganders are asking for,” said Emily Durbin, volunteer with Michigan Moms Demand Action. “Background checks are a critical part of any gun violence prevention strategy, and we applaud these lawmakers for taking action to protect our families from gun violence.”

“Students across the state are tired of feeling unsafe in their communities,” said Taylor King, a volunteer with Students Demand Action at the University of Michigan, and a member of the Students Demand Action National Advisory Board. “Unfortunately, gun violence isn’t limited to one kind of firearm, and we thank Michigan lawmakers for taking this simple yet important step to close dangerous loopholes and keep guns out of the wrong hands.”

House Bills 5275-5277 and Senate Bills 678-680 were introduced by Senators Rosemary Bayer (District 12), Stephanie Chang (District 1) and Jeremy Moss (District 11) and Representatives Robert Wittenberg (District 27), Brenda Carter (District 29) and Jon Hoadley (District 60).

In addition to expanding Michigan’s background check requirement this session, Michigan lawmakers also have the opportunity to pass bipartisan legislation that would help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Committee chair Representative Graham Filler could schedule a hearing at any point but has not chosen to do so.