News Summary

The Michigan state Senate has passed a series of gun regulation bills, including bans on bump stocks and ghost guns. This legislation, which aims to enhance public safety amid rising gun violence, received minimal Republican support, and now faces resistance in the GOP-controlled state House. Despite political divides, advocates emphasize the importance of these measures to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence in Michigan.

Lansing, Michigan – On Wednesday, the Michigan state Senate approved a series of gun regulation bills, including bans on bump stocks and ghost guns. The legislation marks a significant step in gun control efforts but passed largely without Republican support, although three Republican senators joined Democrats to support the bump stock ban under Senate Bill 224.

Bump stocks are devices that enhance the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms, allowing them to function similarly to fully automatic weapons. This regulation follows the federal ban initiated after the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, which tragically claimed the lives of 60 people. The bill’s sponsor, Dayna Polehanki, underscored that these devices have no legitimate use for civilians for sports or self-defense. By prohibiting bump stocks, the legislation aims to convey a strong message against mass violence in Michigan communities.

In addition to the bump stock regulation, Senate Bills 331 and 332 prohibit the sale, possession, and distribution of ghost guns. Ghost guns are homemade firearms that are typically built without serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace and regulate. Violators of the ghost gun ban could face penalties of up to five years in prison.

The legislation also reinforces a ban on firearms within the Michigan State Capitol. This decision to prohibit firearms, except for security personnel and state lawmakers with concealed carry permits, is a response to armed protests that occurred in 2020 against Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions. Senate Bills 225 and 226 codify these regulations, reinforcing previous bans imposed by the Michigan State Capitol Commission.

With the new legislation now heading to the GOP-controlled state House, it is expected to encounter significant resistance. House Speaker Matt Hall expressed doubts about the bills’ future, deeming them “dead on arrival” in his chamber. This sentiment echoes previous challenges faced by similar proposals, as past attempts to regulate bump stocks and ghost guns have stalled in the House.

The votes on the gun regulation package in the Senate were narrowly divided along party lines, with the final tally reaching 19-17 in favor. Despite partisan divides, there has been a consistent push for gun safety following prior legislative actions in 2023, including the introduction of firearm storage requirements and universal background checks. Michigan’s implementation of a red flag law has led to nearly 300 gun confiscations in its first year, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety amidst rising concerns over gun violence.

Gun safety advocates continue to emphasize the importance of these measures, particularly in light of a visible crisis of gun violence in the state. Survivor Denise Wieck expressed hope that the House will follow the Senate’s lead and enact bans on ghost guns as part of a proactive approach to addressing dangerous firearms. The series of bills marks a pivotal moment in Michigan’s response to gun violence and highlights the continuing debate over gun control policies in the United States.