LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Democrats have succeeded in further implementation of gun control laws with the signing of new bills this week.
The new laws are being touted for keeping domestic violence offenders from owning or possessing a firearm for eight years, and potentially decreasing their ability to hurt a partner or ex-partner. However, the new laws also encompass other misdemeanors which have nothing to do with domestic violence.
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The parts of the new laws that impact violent domestic violence abusers include sentencing guidelines to prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from buying or owning a gun or ammunition for eight years. They prohibit the possession or use of firearms and ammunition by people convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. In addition, the new laws define 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,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer when she signed the bills on Monday. “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.”
Legislation implementing red flag laws, stricter background checks and safe storage requirements were all signed by Whitmer earlier this year.
State Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) emphasized his discontent with the bill on social media. “Among the high court misdemeanors and felonies that legislative analyses indicate now will be potentially subject to a three- to five-year gun rights suspension: Certain lobbying and campaign finance violations, false statements on a veterans benefit application, certain gambling offenses, disorderly conduct at a funeral, possession of an aquatic prohibited species and knowingly allowing an MMA or boxing professional to compete against an amateur in an amateur contest.”
It also includes anyone who violates the Reverse Vending Machine Fraud Act.
Federal law already prohibits those charged with felonies or misdemeanors related to domestic violence from purchasing or possessing a gun. But advocates have pushed for state-level laws that they say can be better enforced and won’t be threatened by future Supreme Court rulings.
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The new laws reflect federal prohibitions on gun ownership after a domestic violence misdemeanor or other misdemeanors. The existence of the ban in Michigan law makes it possible for state and local law enforcement officials to enforce it.
Michigan Open Carry, a gun owners rights organization, opposed the legislation, calling it a “bait and switch” that went beyond domestic violence.
Also on Monday, an artificial intelligence that can identify guns is being implemented on the Michigan Capitol grounds. “ZeroEyes” analyzes surveillance footage from existing cameras and to provide an additional layer of security improvements at the state Capitol.
Attorney Steve Dulan told The Steve Gruber Show on Tuesday that “the devil is in the details” when it comes to this law. “It’s certainly a big, big change and it goes beyond what most of us picture when we hear ‘domestic abuser,'” Dulan said.
Dulan predicts there will be court review when it comes to the new law.
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