Lansing, MI – On January 27, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed 19 bipartisan bills aimed at bolstering safety in Michigan’s schools, homes, and communities. The new legislation, which focuses on reducing gun violence and improving emergency response protocols, has garnered praise from both sides of the political spectrum. Alongside these bills, Whitmer also signed an executive order to establish a new School Safety and Mental Health Commission, ensuring that Michigan’s students and educators have a voice in shaping future safety initiatives.
“Michiganders should feel safe whether they’re watching a movie at home or heading into the classroom,” said Governor Whitmer in a statement. “These 19 commonsense bills will keep Michigan families and neighborhoods safe from gun violence and other violent crimes. They build on my administration’s commitment to protecting our residents.”
The bills represent a multifaceted approach to public safety. Among the measures, House Bills 5450 and 5451 will require the distribution of firearm safety information to parents of students, emphasizing the importance of secure firearm storage. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics, including an estimated 150,000 Michigan children living in homes with unsecured firearms. Nationally, more than 70% of school shootings involve firearms obtained from a parent or family member.
State Representatives Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) and Julie Brixie (D-Okemos), who sponsored the bills, expressed their support for the new law, calling it a critical step in protecting children and communities from gun violence. “These new safe storage education laws will help educate Michigan families on how to properly exercise their rights as firearm owners while keeping their weapons out of the hands of children,” said Brixie.
The legislation is part of a broader commitment to reducing gun violence in Michigan. House Bills 6144, 6145, and 6146, introduced by state Representatives Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Natalie Price (D-Berkley), aim to reduce the number of firearms on Michigan streets by mandating that all guns turned in through buyback programs be destroyed by the Michigan State Police (MSP). Col. James F. Grady II, director of MSP, emphasized that the new law ensures firearms turned over in buyback programs are permanently destroyed, removing them from circulation and reducing the risk of gun-related incidents.
In addition to the gun safety measures, House Bills 4095 and 4096, sponsored by state Representatives Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), focus on improving emergency response protocols in Michigan schools. The legislation mandates that all schools adopt standardized terminology and procedures when responding to safety threats, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response during emergencies.
The Whitmer administration has long been committed to public safety, with over $1.6 billion invested in public safety programs since the governor took office. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II reiterated this commitment, stating, “Keeping Michiganders and our communities safe is our top priority. These bills will save lives and help us build a safer Michigan for everyone.”
Advocacy groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action have also voiced strong support for the new legislation. “Governor Whitmer is a proven gun sense champion who understands that common-sense laws like the ones she just signed will make Michigan safer,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of continuing efforts to address gun violence in Michigan.
The passing of these bills marks a significant step forward in Michigan’s efforts to combat gun violence and improve school safety. With the support of both lawmakers and community organizations, Governor Whitmer’s actions aim to make Michigan a safer place for all residents, particularly children and educators.
As the political landscape in Lansing may shift in the coming months, advocates remain hopeful that the progress made will continue to drive change, ensuring that Michigan’s communities remain protected from gun violence and other threats.
