Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Gun Restrictions For MI Domestic Abusers

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a pair of bipartisan bills Monday that aim to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals, especially those with convictions for domestic violence, according to the governor's office.

The legislation prevents those convicted of domestic violence from buying, owning, or transporting firearms for eight years after sentencing. Although there were already state laws with firearm restrictions for those with felonies related to domestic abuse, no law had existed for misdemeanor domestic violence.

In addition, advocates believe the state laws will be enforced better than federal laws, and state laws will not be threatened by any future U.S. Supreme Court rulings. There are federal laws preventing those charged with felonies or misdemeanors related to domestic violence from purchasing or possessing a gun.

A breakdown of the bills includes:

• House Bill 4945 - updates the sentencing guidelines to prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from buying or owning a gun or ammunition for eight years.
• Senate Bill 471 - prohibits the possession or use of firearms and ammunition by persons convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence.
• Senate Bill 528 - defines additional domestic violence offenses that result in disqualification.

"Keeping Michiganders – especially young women – safe and healthy is a top priority, and these bills will take long overdue steps to protect individuals from abuse," Whitmer said. "As a former prosecutor and as governor, I am proud to sign this bipartisan legislation to prevent abusers from accessing firearms. Together, we can make Michigan a safe and welcoming place for everyone."

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the new bills will save lives.

"Survivors of intimate partner violence live in constant fear, and in constant danger," Nessel said. "Abusers with firearms are five times more likely to kill their female victims than abusers without firearms. My Department remains committed to protecting survivors of domestic violence, and that is why we aggressively advocated for these bills in the legislature."

The new legislation is the latest package of gun laws Michigan has passed since Democrats reclaimed full-control in Lansing in November 2022.

In April, Whitmer signed "red-flag laws" into law, allowing officials to take away firearms from a person deemed as a threat to themselves or others. Whitmer also signed bills that require universal background checks for all gun sales and the safe storage of firearms and ammunition in homes.