On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a new, comprehensive gun control legislation that would implement so-called “red flag” laws, safe storage regulations and universal background checks.
Such reforms come in the wake of multiple school shootings that rocked the state. Most recently, in February of this year, was a shooting on the campus of Michigan State University that left four dead and five injured.
“Today, we are turning our pain into purpose and honoring those we have lost with common sense gun violence prevention legislation supported by a majority of Michiganders,” said Whitmer in a statement.
“Universal background checks and safe storage are long-overdue steps we are proud to take today that will save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and domestic abusers and children in the home,” she continued.
The package includes Senate Bill 79 and Senate Bill 80, which would require gun owners to take extra precautions in storing firearms when children are present; Senate Bills 81 and 82, which would consumer incentives to purchase firearm safety devices; and House Bills 4138 and 4142, which would close loopholes and broaden background checks for all firearm purchases.
Some Michigan sheriffs publicly denounced the policy, calling it “unconstitutional.“
“Over half of the state’s counties have passed resolutions declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, opposing laws they believe infringe on gun rights,” according to the Associated Press.