Michigan Lawmakers Outline Ambitious Firearm Safety Initiatives
In a bid to enhance firearm safety, Michigan legislators have unveiled a comprehensive agenda targeting gun accessories and dealer accountability. Central to this initiative are restrictions on high-capacity magazines and bump stocks, as well as increased liability requirements for firearm dealers.
Representative Helena Scott (D-Detroit) emphasized the importance of limiting high-capacity magazines and bump stocks, which modify semi-automatic weapons for rapid firing. Additionally, the proposed legislation mandates a minimum age of 21 for gun buyers and introduces a three-day waiting period before possession can be transferred. “This is a straightforward safeguard designed to slow down moments of crisis,” Scott explained.
The caucus also advocates for state-level legal actions against gun manufacturers and requires dealers to maintain liability insurance of no less than $1 million. Rep. Julie Brixie, chair of the caucus, highlighted the significance of these measures, stating, “Our package ensures gun sales are done properly and that sellers are held liable if they sell a firearm to someone who is prohibited from owning one.”
These proposals are an extension of the legislation passed following the tragic events at Oxford High School in 2021 and Michigan State University in 2023, aimed at preventing further gun violence. Gun safety advocates gathered in Lansing to rally support, with Detroit pastor Barry Randolph voicing strong approval. “These corrupt gun dealers are putting money in their pockets while we are putting our children in the ground, and this needs to stop,” Randolph said. “If we can turn off the tap of guns into our community, we can absolutely end gun violence.”
Randolph also noted the positive impact of recent laws, citing a decrease in accidental child shootings between 2024 and 2025, and record low violent crime rates in Detroit.
Though the Michigan Senate passed legislation in 2025 to ban bump stocks and ghost guns—firearms without serial numbers—the bills have stalled in the GOP-controlled House. Some Democrats are prioritizing these issues this year. Randolph emphasized the life-saving impact of these legal changes, stating, “We will never know the names of the hundreds of people, soon to be thousands of Michiganders, who will live because you heard us and that you made the changes our communities demanded.”
House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri suggested that Democrats would need to gain control of the House to advance further anti-gun violence measures.
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