Michigan Lawmaker Introduces Safe Firearm Storage Legislation in Light of Oxford School Shooting

The November 30th tragedy at Oxford High School has prompted one Michigan lawmaker to introduce legislation requiring gun owners to store firearms away from children.

Legislation Introduced by Democratic Representative

Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin introduced a bill today that would require firearm owners to store guns away from children if there's potential access to them. The 'Safe Guns, Safe Kids Act' would also impose a penalty of up to five years in prison for parents if a child is injured or uses the firearm to commit a crime.

"What really stood out in Oxford was the role that the parents played," Slotkin told CNN. "We came up with this bill, building on good work that others have done -- both in the state of Michigan and also federally -- and created a bill that would make it against the law for a person to keep an unsecured firearm if it's reasonable the child could access that firearm."

 

Bill Faces an Uphill Battle in Michigan

Slotkin, who is considered to be a 'Moderate Democrat' says she expects the bill could pass a vote in Michigan's Democrat-controlled House, but expressed concern that it may get stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.

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CNN estimates that the 'Safe Guns, Safe Kids Act' would require the support of at least 10 Republicans in the Michigan Senate in order to get the green light.

Slotkin Remains Hopeful

Despite the odds, Slotkin is hopeful that the tragedy at Oxford High School will prompt fellow lawmakers to come aboard.

"I'm still hopeful," she said. "I think it just reflects the fact that gun safety issues, unfortunately, have become these really political conversations. I'm trying to defy that."

Michigan is one of 22 US states that do not have child access firearm prevention laws.