Proposed bills target untraceable firearms to enhance public safety and curb gun violence. Michigan’s Senate Committee advances bills to ban ghost guns.
Senate Committee Pushes Forward Ghost Gun Ban
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety has advanced Senate Bills 1149 and 1150, aiming to ban the manufacture, sale, or transfer of ghost guns, or firearms without serial numbers. These untraceable weapons have become a growing concern for law enforcement and public safety advocates across the state.
Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the legislation as a critical step toward addressing the unique dangers posed by ghost guns. “This legislation marks a critical step toward addressing the unique dangers ghost guns pose. The threat of these weapons is undeniable. ” she said.
What Are Ghost Guns?
Ghost guns are privately made firearms that lack serial numbers, rendering them untraceable. These weapons are often assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts and circumvent traditional background checks. Law enforcement officials argue that the lack of traceability hampers investigations into gun-related crimes, making ghost guns a favored tool for criminals.
“These weapons severely undermine our state’s ability to effectively investigate and prevent gun violence,” Nessel added. “By taking decisive action to ban them, we can prevent further tragedies in our communities.”
Legislation Details and Impact
Senate Bill 1149, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang, and Senate Bill 1150, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss, propose:
- Banning the manufacture, sale, or transfer of firearms without serial numbers.
- Prohibiting the possession of ghost guns unless they are serialized in compliance with federal regulations.
- Establishing penalties for violating these provisions.
Supporters argue that the bills are necessary to prevent ghost guns from falling into the hands of individuals prohibited from owning firearms, such as felons or those with restraining orders. Law enforcement agencies have reported a sharp rise in the recovery of ghost guns at crime scenes nationwide.
Addressing Opposition Concerns
Critics of the bills have raised concerns about potential infringements on Second Amendment rights and the impact on hobbyists who build firearms for personal use. However, Nessel emphasized that the legislation targets illegal activity, not law-abiding gun owners. “This is not about infringing on the rights of gun owners,” she said. “It’s about ensuring our communities are safe from criminals using ghost guns to commit untraceable crimes.”
Broader Context of Gun Legislation
Michigan’s proposed ghost gun ban aligns with a national effort to regulate untraceable firearms. States such as California, New York, and Connecticut have already enacted similar laws, and the Biden administration has implemented federal rules requiring serial numbers on ghost guns sold as kits.
The bills now head to the full Michigan Senate, where they will face further debate. Supporters hope to see swift passage as Michigan seeks to bolster its gun violence prevention measures.
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