Whitmer signs bills banning those guilty of domestic violence from owning guns for 8 years

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills into law that ban those convicted of domestic violence from buying, owning or transporting firearms for eight years after sentencing.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

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.

“We are committed to doing what we can to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous, convicted criminals,” Michigan State Police Col. James F. Grady II said in a statement. “These bills give our troopers a valuable tool in the fight to keep survivors of domestic violence safe.”

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.

“Michigan is continuing to take steps to protect its people, all people! Today we are enshrining safeguards to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence,” Rep. Amos O’Neal, D-Saginaw, said in a statement. “It only makes sense that this law is on the books to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals.”

Nessel says the change will “save lives.”

“Survivors of intimate partner violence live in constant fear, and in constant danger,” Nessel said in a statement. “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 Department of Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau Chief Danielle Hagaman-Clark is a prosecutor with 20 years’ experience who has spent most of her career prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

“This is such a long-awaited step forward in protecting victims and survivors of domestic violence,” Hagaman-Clark said. “This law is truly a common-sense measure that will change the futures of many survivors, who have endured a painful, violent past. I hope and believe that it will start to give survivors back some of their power, and their hope for the future.”