Gretchen Whitmer on Gun Control

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

It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence

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.

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.

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.

No concealed pistol license if under protective order

Summary by Detroit News, 1/15/2015Senate Bill 789 contained a provision that would have required authorities to issue a concealed pistol license to someone subject to a personal protection order for domestic violence or stalking unless a judge indicated they were not allowed to purchase or carry a gun. "Under current law, no person who is subject to such an order may obtain such a license," Snyder wrote in his veto letter. "The bill would have amended the restriction, preventing the issuance only if the prohibition was specifically spelled out by the court."

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 26-12-0 on Dec/19/14; State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer voted NO; passed House 84-26-0 on Dec/19/14; vetoed by Governor Rick Snyder on Jan/15/15.

Strengthen gun laws: safety locks & background checks

Whitmer supports the following principles regarding guns.
• Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
• Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
• Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
• Support current licensing requirements for gun possession.
• Prohibit the hunting of mourning doves in Michigan.