NASW-Michigan Joins End Gun Violence Michigan Sign On Letter

Lansing, MI - This week, NASW-Michigan joined other community organizations by signing onto a letter organized by End Gun Violence Michigan to urge lawmakers to support gun violence prevention legislation introduced last week.

The letter urges that the following legislation be acted upon as soon as possible;

Safe Storage to Protect Children: These measures require that firearms be securely stored in homes with children. When Florida introduced safe storage, youth firearm deaths were reduced by 51%. 2021/22 introduced legislation: HB 5066-5069 and SB 550-553.

Universal Background Checks: Under current Michigan law, assault rifles can be purchased in private party sales without any background check. By changing the word "pistol" to "firearm" in Michigan's background check law, we can ensure that ALL firearm purchases are subjected to background checks. Criminals who are too dangerous to own a pistol shouldn't be allowed to own an assault rifle. 2021/22 introduced legislation: HB 4869,70,71 and SB 454, 455, 456.

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag Laws): These laws permit a court to authorize the temporary removal and sale of firearms from and to a person deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. 2021/22 introduced legislation: SB 856, 857, 858.

Protection for Domestic Violence Survivors: These laws would prevent those convicted of domestic violence from owning or purchasing firearms. Domestic abusers often escalate their violence, and it is important to intervene before abuse escalates to shooting or murder. HB 5371, 5372 and SB 678, 679.

NASW-Michigan offers its condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the entire community. Every person has the right to safely attend school and every teacher has the right to do their job without fear of, or anxiety over becoming a victim of gun violence.

The tragedy that took place cannot be normalized, instead we must underscore the need for urgent action, not platitudes, on the part of state and federal lawmakers to enact policies that promote and protect public safety.