Gun Violence Prevention Law Is a Great Step Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan

June 27, 2022

Contact: Lynna Kaucheck, lynna@progressmichigan.org

Gun Violence Prevention Law Is a Great Step Forward
Reforms are a good start, but more work is needed

MICHIGAN – On Saturday, President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938), into law. The legislation contains some of the most significant gun safety reforms in decades. The noteworthy bipartisan law includes key changes in the country’s gun policies including closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole,” enhancing background checks for young people ages 18-21, investing in state Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws, and more. The following response can be attributed to Myaia Holmes, gun violence prevention campaign manager with Progress Michigan:

“After years and years of inaction, Congress has finally taken steps to prevent gun violence in our communities, and President Biden codified it by signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law. The law includes investments in mental health services, some increased accountability for gun sellers, and protections for domestic violence survivors, which will make a difference in our communities and help curb gun violence. At the same time, the law is missing other important reforms, particularly an investment in community violence intervention (CVI) programs and safe storage legislation, both of which have been proven to prevent violence in our communities.

“In Michigan, we must act quickly to pick up where Congress left off, by passing the ERPO bills that are sitting in the Government Operations Committee so that Michigan will be eligible for the funding provided by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. In addition, we must pass the safe storage bills – a key missing piece of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – that are also sitting in the same committee. Both sets of bills have broad public support, but it’s on Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, who heads up the committee, to act and begin moving these important bills.

“Safer communities are well within our reach, now is the time for Michigan lawmakers to act.”

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