MID-MICHIGAN, February 7 — Michigan will implement new gun laws next week, addressing issues such as safe storage and firearm accessibility. These laws mandate universal background checks for all gun transfers and sales, the ability to issue extreme risk protection orders, and the establishment of new regulations for safe storage. In particular, the focus of a recent virtual event was on the importance of safe storage laws. During the event, Jon Gold, a member of Giffords Gun Owners for Safety and a firearms instructor for 25 years, emphasized the potential risks of leaving loaded weapons in easily accessible locations like bedside tables or unlocked drawers. He stressed the need for responsible gun ownership and adherence to the upcoming safe storage law, which will take effect on February 13.
Under the new law, every gun owner in Michigan will be required to safely store their firearms if there are children on their premises, even if the children are visitors. This means securing the firearms with storage devices or keeping them on their person and under their control. Gold emphasized the importance of locking up guns whenever children visit, as well as ensuring personal control of the weapon when in the presence of children. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors to 15-year felonies, depending on the severity of the incident. However, Gold clarified that authorities will not be conducting random checks of individuals’ homes; rather, the focus of the law is to promote safety and personal responsibility among gun owners.
According to End Gun Violence Michigan, approximately 4.5 million children in the US live in homes with unsecured firearms. These new laws come just days after the conviction of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford High School shooter, who was found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argued that if the gun involved in the shooting had been properly stored and secured, the tragic incident could have been prevented. This case marks the first instance of a parent being charged and convicted in connection with their child’s actions. James Crumbley, Jennifer’s husband, also faces charges and is scheduled to stand trial in March.
The implementation of these new gun laws reflects ongoing efforts to promote firearm safety and responsible ownership. It underscores the need for individuals to take measures to secure their firearms, especially when children are present. By placing an emphasis on safe storage practices, lawmakers aim to prevent tragedies and promote accountability within the gun-owning community. Gun owners in Michigan must familiarize themselves with the legal requirements and act in accordance with the upcoming safe storage law to ensure the safety of all individuals, especially children, in their households.