Four new packages of gun control laws take effect on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. MCRGO will summarize all four packages in the coming weeks in easy to understand bullet points along with links to detailed official legislative analyses.

Any of these laws may be litigated in the near future. MCRGO will provide updates on litigation only after a case has been filed. Pending litigation, MCRGO is not able to answer legal questions about these new laws -particularly about hypothetical situations.

Monday, January 15, 2024 E'News: Storage Mandates Summary

Monday, January 22, 2024 E'News: Red Flag Summary

Monday, January 29, 2024 E'News: Long Gun Transfers Summary

Monday, February 5, 2024 E'News: Domestic Violence Summary

Monday, February 12, 2024: The Winter 2024 On Target will contain all four summaries.

New Gun Laws: Storage Mandates

• Firearms being stored or left unattended must be unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a person under 18 is or is likely to be present on the premises.

• If the minor possesses or exhibits the firearm in a public place or possesses or exhibits the firearm in the presence of another person in a careless, reckless, or threatening manner: a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both.

• If the minor discharges the firearm and injures themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

• If the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts serious impairment of a body function on themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $7,500, or both.

• If the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts death on themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

• Exemption: A minor obtains a firearm with the permission of their parent or guardian and uses or possesses the firearm under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian, or any individual at least 18 years old who is authorized by the minor’s parent or guardian, during the minor’s employment, ranching or farming, target practice or instruction in the safe use of a firearm.

• Exemption: A minor obtains a firearm with the permission of their parent or guardian and uses or possesses the firearm for the purposes of hunting, if the minor is in compliance with all applicable hunting laws. 

• Exemption: A minor obtains a firearm through their unlawful entry of premises or the motor vehicle where the firearm has been stored.

• Exemption: A minor obtains a firearm while lawfully acting in self-defense or defense of another.

• Firearms safety devices are exempted from Michigan's sales tax and use tax beginning 90 days after February 13, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

The detailed official legislative analysis of this bill package can be found HERE.

House Redistricting Update

The three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court which invalidated 13 Metro Detroit legislative districts as being racially gerrymandered has given Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission until February 2 to produce an electoral map for the Michigan House that would be available for public comment. The panel also denied a request from Detroit voters for special State Senate elections in 2024.

The filing deadline for House legislative candidates is April 23. House primary elections are scheduled for August 6. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has said she will need at least four months following the drawing of new legislative districts to adjust Michigan's Qualified Voter file.

Given infighting and recent resignations from the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, political pundits have expressed doubt about the commission's ability to produce and approve new maps within the next three weeks. Failure by the commission to approve new maps could require the postponement of House special elections scheduled for this spring and deny Democrats a House majority through much of 2024.

Pending those special elections, Governor Whitmer has said there will be no bipartisan power sharing in the Michigan House of Representatives which is now split 54-54.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Outdoorama

Thursday-Sunday, February 22-25, 2024, Hours Vary by Day

Suburban Collection Showplace; 46100 Grand River Ave.; Novi, MI 48374

MCRGO's Booth Number is 5415.

Ultimate Sports Show

Thursday-Sunday, March 7-10, 2024, Hours Vary by Day

DeVos Place; 303 Monroe Ave. NW; Grand Rapids, MI 49503

MCRGO's Booth Number is 2067.