State of Michigan Archives: on Gun Control

Shri Thanedar: Allow cities and towns to enact laws regarding knives

Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would have prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing any knife law stricter than state law. Crime is local. In my view, citizens of Michigan's cities and towns-not Lansing politicians-should be able to make their own public safety decisions. HB 4066 would deprive them of that power. I am therefore vetoing this legislation.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-41-0 on Jun/17/21; State Rep. Shri Thanedar voted NO; passed Senate 25-11-0 on Oct/19/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.

Gretchen Whitmer: Allow cities and towns to enact laws regarding knives

Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would have prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing any knife law stricter than state law. Crime is local. In my view, citizens of Michigan's cities and towns-not Lansing politicians-should be able to make their own public safety decisions. HB 4066 would deprive them of that power. I am therefore vetoing this legislation.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-41-0 on Jun/17/21; passed Senate 25-11-0 on Oct/19/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.

Abdul El-Sayed: No gun possession for convicted domestic abusers

• Prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from possessing or purchasing firearms;
• Require courts to notify individuals convicted of domestic abuse that they are no longer allowed to possess ammunition or firearms;
• Require the surrender of firearms or ammunition by individuals convicted of domestic abuse;
• Require law enforcement to remove firearms from the scene of a domestic violence incident.

Abdul El-Sayed: Take on the corporate gun lobby; enough is enough

Here are my commitments to make Michigan a safer and more responsible state:
1. Prohibit the sale or possession of "weapons of war," large capacity magazines, and any modifiers that increase fire rate.
2. Close background check loopholes.
3. Include domestic abusers in Michigan's prohibited purchaser provisions.
4. Require law enforcement to disarm individuals who become prohibited purchasers after purchasing a weapon, being issued a handgun purchase license, or receiving a concealed carry permit.
5. Reintroduce discretion into the concealed pistol permit process. Michigan is known as a "shall issue" state.
6. Prohibit the open carry of firearms in public buildings and registered private establishments.

Bill Schuette: Proud protector of the 2nd Amendment, NRA rates him "A"

Bill Schuette: Repeal restrictions on guns, including semi-automatics

Bill Schuette (R): No. Repeal existing state restrictions. Challenged restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. NRA 100% rating.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Universal background checks on gun purchases and ban assault-style weapons. NRA 7% rating.

Bob Young: Right to bear arms is one of our most cherished rights

Brenda Lawrence: Enact common sense gun control reforms & close loopholes

Brenda Lawrence: We need to enact common sense gun control reforms that include closing the background check loopholes and putting in place no fly, no buy. The number of gun accidents that we have in the country each year makes it clear that we need a better process in place to determine if the person purchasing or owning a gun is educated and qualified to be responsible for the weapon. I think the process should be similar to obtaining and renewing a driver's license. We also need to implement smart technologies that are available now.

Marcia Squier (Green Party): I would reduce the number of firearm-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. by having universal background checks for violent offenders, we can ensure that vicious people can't legally own a gun.

Bret McAtee: End constant meddling with our 2nd amendment rights

Dave Trott: 2nd Amendment is important cornerstone of nation's freedoms

Debbie Dingell: Deal with mental illness and gun control laws

A: And we haven't done anything. You know, we've got mental illness and law enforcement officers talk about veterans who are coming back with post traumatic stress. I wanted to write an article after they had the shootings in California about how to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. When I went to write it, you really do realize how complicated the issue is. Because I do also want to take the stigma off it. That means if someone is postpartum depressed and has to go on an anti-depressant for a few months, is that somebody that you want to somehow never let own a gun ever again? It's not straightforward. And it will keep people from seeking the treatment that they need. So, it's complicated. But, just because it's complicated doesn't mean that we don't look at how we can solve the problem.

Garrett Soldano: I will defend 2nd amendment, implement Constitutional Carry

Gary Peters: Endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety for gun-sense majority

"Everytown is going all-in to flip the Senate and elect leaders who will treat America's gun violence epidemic like the crisis it is," the Everytown President said. The group has targeted a number of key races in the House and Senate, emphasizing the need to protect what it calls a "gun sense majority," which is mostly comprised of Democratic candidates.

Gretchen Whitmer: Universal background checks; ban assault-style weapons

Bill Schuette (R): No. Repeal existing state restrictions. Challenged restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. NRA 100% rating.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Universal background checks on gun purchases and ban assault-style weapons. NRA 7% rating.

Jack Bergman: Right to bear arms is about being a free nation

James Craig: Disarm criminals, not law abiding citizens

James Craig: Gun buybacks are a comedy show, a recipe for failure

Jennifer Granholm: Signed bills on concealed pistol licenses, spouse's guns

John James: 2nd Amendment is enough said

John James: Second Amendment says semi-automatic weapons ok

John James (R): No. Second amendment rights "SHALL NOT be infringed [upon]. Enough said!"

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. Supports common-sense gun reform: expanded background checks, banning high-capacity magazines & bump stocks.

Marcia Squier: Universal background checks to reduce gun crime

Marcia Squier: I would reduce the number of firearm-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. in several ways. By having universal background checks for violent offenders, we can ensure that vicious people can't legally own a gun. By decriminalizing Marijuana and ending the war on drugs, we can decrease a major factor in many of these violent crimes. Black market drug dealers will be a thing of the past because they can earn a legally recognized income. In addition, by offering universal health care and public funding of higher education, we will prevent crime by letting people receive mental health therapy and a college education. Add that to a basic livable wage, and you have a great recipe for success.

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (Dem.): We need to enact common sense gun control reforms that include closing the background check loopholes and putting in place no fly, no buy.

Marcia Squier: Graduated licensing & training for guns, like military

A: Support, with graduated licensing/training similar to the military.

Marcia Squier: Violent criminals should not be allowed gun ownership

A: Violent criminals should not be allowed gun ownership. Annual training and certification for each level of weaponry, similar to military protocol.

Mike Bishop: Ease restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns

Bishop indicates support of the following principles concerning gun issues.
• Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
• Hold gun owners, who do not properly store their guns, criminally and civilly liable for crimes committed by minors using their guns.
• Q: Should Michigan cities and counties be prohibited from suing gun manufacturers and dealers for damages?
  A: Yes.

Mike Bishop: Oppose restrictive gun control laws

Bishop: Strongly Disagree

Mike Bishop: Personally a gun owner with a CPL

Terri Lynn Land: Supports GOP platform which opposes magazine limit

In August 2009, the New York Times reported that the 2012 GOP platform "opposes gun legislation that would limit 'the capacity of clips or magazines.'"

Tudor Dixon: Stop all efforts to restrict the 2nd Amendment

Regarding school safety, she has called for all so-called "diversity/equity/inclusion" consultants and administrators in public schools to be cut and the funding for their positions to be repurposed and used for armed school security. She also proposed using one-time federal COVID relief funds to harden schools through increased security features and planning.
• Enact Constitutional Carry: Stop all efforts to restrict the 2nd Amendment and ensure that law-abiding citizens can protect themselves.
• Fund De-escalation Training: Increase funding for training in de-escalation techniques. Stop perpetuating the false and racist myths that law enforcement officers are inherently racist.
• Zero-Tolerance for Riots: Enhance criminal penalties for crimes committed during riots or violent "protests."

Gretchen Whitmer: We need red-flag laws and requirement for secure gun storage

Dixon said she wants armed security at schools, as well as a single entry point for school buildings. "We need an Office of Safe Schools, like states like Florida have, to make sure that this is a top priority," Dixon said.

"We've been trying that for 30 years. It's not working," Whitmer said. Instead, she said, Michigan needs to enact laws requiring background checks and secure storage, as well as "red flag" laws. "Ask yourself, who is going to keep your kids safe: The former prosecutor with plans, or a candidate with thoughts and prayers?" Whitmer said.

Gretchen Whitmer: It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence

Elissa Slotkin: First rep to have two school shootings in her district

James Craig: Armed, law-abiding populace is the best deterrent for crime

Gretchen Whitmer: Require background checks, mandate safe gun storage

Bridge Michigan summary 4/13/23: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law gun safe storage and universal background check legislation, calling the measures a "common sense" approach to deter firearm violence.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 61-47-2 on Mar/22/23; passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/23/23; signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Apr/19/23

Kristin McDonald Rivet: Require background checks, mandate safe gun storage

Bridge Michigan summary 4/13/23: Gov. Whitmer signed into law gun safe storage and universal background check legislation, calling the measures a "common sense" approach to deter firearm violence.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 61-47-2 on Mar/22/23; passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/23/23; McDonald Rivet sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Gov. Whitmer on Apr/19/23

Thomas Barrett: Don't allow cities and towns to enact laws regarding knives

Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would have prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing any knife law stricter than state law. Crime is local. In my view, citizens of Michigan's cities and towns-not Lansing politicians-should be able to make their own public safety decisions. HB 4066 would deprive them of that power. I am therefore vetoing this legislation.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-41-0 on Jun/17/21; passed Senate 25-11-0 on Oct/19/21; State Sen. Thomas Barrett voted YES; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.

Garlin Gilchrist: Ensure background checks on every gun sale or transfer

Jocelyn Benson: Ban open carrying of guns at polling places

Benson's directive prohibits Michigan residents from open- carrying firearms "in a polling place, in any hallway used by voters to enter or exit, or within 100 feet of any entrance to a building in which a polling place is located."

Mallory McMorrow: Remove guns from someone in a mental health crisis

Mike Cox: Signed reciprocity agreements allowing conceal carry

Mike Duggan: Praised state gun laws, skeptical about gun-free zones

Tom Leonard: Make Michigan a Constitutional Carry state

Article 1, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution: "Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state." Michigan's next governor must protect this right, not only for our state's hunters, but for every other citizen. This should start with making Michigan a Constitutional Carry state.