Overview
- The state-appointed Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force released its final report on Nov. 24 with evidence-based recommendations to curb gun violence.
- Core proposals include raising the firearm purchase age to 21, requiring universal waiting periods, banning assault weapons, ghost guns and large-capacity magazines, and closing a concealed pistol license background-check loophole.
- Prevention and enforcement steps call for standardized school resource officer training with a single statewide tip line, expanded community violence intervention, public secure-storage education with free locks, clearer gun relinquishment procedures, and stronger ERPO and PPO use.
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and task force lead Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian framed the issue as a public-health emergency, citing over 11,000 preventable deaths and injuries this year and firearms as the leading cause of death for children and teens.
- Legislative prospects remain unclear as House Speaker Matt Hall had not reviewed the report, while Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks urged action after earlier Senate-passed bans on bump stocks and ghost guns stalled in the House.