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SB 539

Consumer protection: other; do-not-sell list for firearms; create. Amends secs. 1 & 2 of 1927 PA 372 (MCL 28.421 & 28.422) & adds sec. 12c.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan bill creates voluntary do-not-sell firearms registry allowing individuals to self-restrict gun purchases as suicide prevention measure, raising constitutional and enforcement questions.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
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Bill Summary · SB 539

Legislative bill overview

SB 539 would create a "do-not-sell" list for firearms in Michigan, amending the 1927 Firearm Sales Act. The bill would establish a mechanism allowing individuals to voluntarily register themselves on a list prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling them weapons, similar to do-not-call registries for telemarketing.

Why is this important

This proposal addresses suicide prevention and impulse violence reduction by enabling people to restrict their own access during crisis periods. Roughly 60% of firearm deaths in the U.S. are suicides, and research suggests temporary access restrictions can reduce suicide completion rates. The mechanism could serve individuals experiencing mental health crises or those seeking self-imposed cooling-off periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates argue the bill creates an unconstitutional prior restraint on rights and may face legal challenges regarding due process and property rights
  • Implementation and enforcement: Questions about how registries interact with private sales, interstate gun purchases, removal procedures, and whether voluntary registration creates accurate compliance without federal database coordination
  • Privacy and data security: Concerns about government maintenance of firearm purchaser lists, potential data breaches exposing sensitive health-related information, and misuse by bad actors or future administrations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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