‘Red flags’ gun bill heads to Whitmer’s desk

LANSING, Mich. (WNEM) - The Michigan Senate has passed a final bill in a package of gun reform legislation known as “red flag” laws, which will allow courts to remove guns from people believed to be a danger to others or themselves.

The bill package passed 20-17 along party lines on Wednesday, April 19.

The bill will soon head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. She will have up to 14 days to sign it into law.

“This law will save lives. What is clear, after years of witnessing horrific gun violence across school campuses, places of worship, and elsewhere, is that some people simply should not have firearms. And often, whether the need to remove a person’s access to a firearm is acute or enduring, there are egregious and abundant warning signs. This law will allow concerned friends, family, and law enforcement to act in a way that prevents senseless gun violence and deaths in our state,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “If these recent gun safety laws should be challenged in court, I want the people of Michigan to know it will be my duty and honor to defend them. When these laws are enacted, I will use every tool of my office to ensure Michigan residents are informed of these laws and that they will be vigorously enforced.”