LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2026-13, re-establishing the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. This action continues the task force’s work and builds on the governor’s commonsense gun violence prevention laws, including background checks, safe storage requirements, extreme risk protection orders, and stronger penalties for those convicted of domestic abuse. The governor also signed a proclamation declaring June “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in Michigan. These actions build on the governor’s historic work throughout her time in office to reduce violence and keep Michiganders safe.
“Every Michigander deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Governor Whitmer. “Over the last seven and a half years, we’ve made historic progress to reduce gun violence and keep people safe. I signed legislation supported by a strong majority of Michiganders—background checks, safe storage, extreme risk protection orders, stronger penalties for domestic abusers, and historic investments in mental health and local law enforcement. That’s why I am proud to sign an executive order re-establishing the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, to continue their critical work, consolidate the progress we’ve made, and keep working together to protect communities and save lives.”
In a press release, the Whitmer administration explained that the executive order re-establishes the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The task force identifies the root causes of gun violence, compiles and reports relevant data, solicits perspectives from diverse stakeholders, and recommends policy to save lives. The task force was established in 2024 by Executive Order 2024-4. The task force has since completed its final report, providing a comprehensive set of recommendations to reduce gun violence across the state.
“Governor Whitmer has taken on one of the most complex and important issues of our times,” said Richard Fuller, Kalamazoo County Sheriff. “The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was developed and implemented at a time when we easily recognize the dangers related to firearms and the need for effective regulations designed to end gun violence and make Michigan safer for all.”
In the press release announcing the task force, the Whitmer administration highlighted stepped taken to combat gun violence in Michigan.
- In April 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation establishing universal background checks for all firearm purchases and safe storage requirements for firearms when minors are around. These laws help keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals and better protect children at home.
- In May 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation which established extreme risk protection orders, so police officers, health care professionals, and family members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms.
- In November 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation banning those convicted of domestic violence from buying, owning, or transporting firearms for eight years after sentencing, helping ensure that violent criminals cannot harm others and that survivors of domestic violence are protected from further violence.
To view the full executive order, click here.
