New Michigan Laws Allow Authorities to Seize Firearms from High-Risk Individuals

On Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed new legislation authorizing law enforcement to seize weapons from those deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

These laws are known as "red flag" laws, which seek to improve public safety and reduce the risk of tragedies related to gun violence, according to CNN.

Governor Whitmer underlined the success of extreme risk protection orders in lowering suicides, saving lives, and stopping domestic abusers and dangerous felons from accessing weapons. Senate Bill 83 and House Bill 4146, the measures she signed, include explicit provisions for carrying out the new laws.

Senate Bill 83 allows persons to request an extreme risk safety order with the circuit court if they have proof of the severe danger of self-injury or damage to others from weapon ownership.

House Bill 4146 also forbids anyone subject to an unprecedented risk protection order from acquiring a license to carry a concealed weapon. This provision restricts firearm access for dangerous people.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer cited situations when suspicions about possible perpetrators were expressed, but no significant action was taken to avert mass shootings.

The red flag law and universal background checks for all weapons, including long guns, are part of Michigan's recent gun control laws.

The new Michigan gun control laws follow the horrific shooting at Michigan State University earlier this year that killed and injured many others.

How Does the Red Flag Law Work?

The legislation takes effect next spring. It allows family members, police, mental health experts, roommates, and previous dating partners to ask a court for an extraordinary risk protection order. After 24 hours, the court will make a ruling, and the flagged person will have 14 days to prove they are not a threat. The duration of a protection order, if granted, is usually one year.

Red flag laws are now in effect in 21 US states, including Michigan, joining other states in taking precautions against possible threats. The efficacy and execution of this legislation, however, continue to be a source of concern.

An AP study indicated that since 2020, 15,049 weapons were seized in the 19 states with red flag legislation or fewer than 10 per 100,000 adult population, Yahoo! News reported.

Though the new Michigan gun control measures signify a step toward saving lives, gun control activists like Saylor Reinders, president of the MSU chapter of Students Demand Action, highlight the need for further initiatives to improve safety, such as mental health support, per Bridge Michigan.