Michigan Task Force Reveals Strategies for Enhanced Gun Safety
Efforts to bolster gun safety in Michigan received a significant boost with the release of a comprehensive report from the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. This newly published document outlines strategic recommendations to support state laws on gun safety, emphasizing areas like firearm storage and temporary suspension of gun rights for individuals deemed a threat.
The 50-page report suggests initiatives such as distributing free gun locks, instituting a statewide school safety tip line, and standardizing training for school resource officers. These recommendations aim to enhance the implementation of gun laws enacted in 2023, which became active last year.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive and chair of the task force, highlighted the importance of these measures, stating, “If people don’t understand what secure storage is, if they don’t understand how to securely store their weapons, if they don’t understand the risks of not securely storing their weapons. And if they don’t have access to tools like gun locks, then the legislation becomes meaningless.”
The report focuses on actionable steps that state departments can independently implement, without requiring new legislation. Recommendations are prioritized based on importance and the resources needed, categorized as “administrative” or “legislative.” Key proposals include enhancing community violence prevention through employment, mental health, and housing programs, as well as increasing funding for school safety and mental health services.
According to Bagdasarian, the report takes a pragmatic approach. She mentioned, “There are some things that are working that need to be expanded that need to be beefed up a little bit, and if we can start working on the things that are those low-hanging fruit first I think that really keeps the momentum going.” The report also advocates for establishing an oversight group to ensure the state meets its new objectives.
However, recommendations requiring new legal measures, such as increasing the firearm purchase age or banning assault weapons and “ghost guns”, face challenges in gaining legislative support. Other proposals include prohibiting bump stocks as detailed here.
Bagdasarian emphasized the urgency of addressing firearm-related fatalities, which have become the leading cause of death in children and teens in Michigan and nationally, surpassing motor vehicle accidents in 2020, according to national statistics. She drew parallels to past successful public health campaigns, stating, “We looked at this as a public health issue, not a political issue. And we need to do the same here with firearm violence.”
—
Read More Michigan News
