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SB 79

Crimes: weapons; penalties for storing or leaving a firearm where it may be accessed by a minor; provide for. Amends sec. 15 of 1927 PA 372 (MCL 28.435) & adds sec. 9.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 19 co-sponsors

Michigan law imposes criminal penalties on gun owners who negligently store firearms where minors can access them, with enhanced penalties if a minor obtains or is injured by the weapon.

ASSIGNED PA 0017'23
#crimes:weapons #weapons:firearms #weapons:safetyandtraining
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Bill Summary · SB 79

Legislative bill overview

SB 79 establishes criminal penalties in Michigan for negligently storing or leaving a firearm in a location where a minor could access it. The law creates graduated penalties depending on whether the minor actually obtains the firearm and whether injury or death results, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

Why is this important

Unintentional firearm access by minors is a documented public health concern, with thousands of children injured or killed annually in the U.S. from unsecured firearms. This legislation attempts to reduce these incidents by imposing legal responsibility on gun owners for secure storage practices, potentially shifting household firearm safety behaviors.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the law imposes excessive restrictions on lawful firearm ownership and storage methods in one's own home
  • Liability and enforcement ambiguity: Questions exist about what constitutes "negligent" storage and how broadly prosecutors may apply the law, potentially affecting responsible gun owners
  • Effectiveness debate: Evidence on whether criminal penalties (versus education campaigns) effectively change storage behavior and reduce minor access incidents remains contested among policy researchers

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

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