Lansing – On September 26, the Michigan House Criminal Justice Committee held a key hearing on HB 4945 and HB 4946, sponsored by State Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw).
Advocates have long called for the bills, which would prevent anyone convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms for 8 years after the completion of their sentence. Michigan’s current law only applies to felony domestic violence, which is rarely charged. 31 other states and the federal government have similar laws. These states experience 10%-15% lower rates of domestic violence murder.
“We know that domestic violence escalates, and often the most dangerous time is when a survivor tries to leave the relationship,” said Heath Lowry, staff attorney and policy specialist for the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence during testimony,
Lowry added: “We also know that domestic violence is five times more likely to turn deadly if the abuser has access to a firearm. These laws will protect women and children from those who have already proven they can’t be trusted with a deadly weapon.”
An average of 70 Michigan women and children are killed each year as a result of domestic violence, according to data compiled in the Michigan Violent Death Reporting System.
Incredibly 68% of mass shootings are related to domestic violence, usually men shooting their families.[1]
Companion bills sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) were heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, following a rally by domestic violence survivors, advocates, and the Attorney General.
