Five states have enacted “Red Flag” laws also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders. The law allows law enforcement to temporarily take guns away from people a judge decides is a community threat.
As Michigan lawmakers and the governor consider gun laws a poll of Michigan voters weighs in.
Five states have enacted “Red Flag” laws; California, Connecticut, Indiana, Oregon and Washington. Will Michigan be next?
Lansing-based EPIC-MRA recently surveyed 600 registered Michigan 2018 voters asking this question, ““A bill dealing with the possession of firearms is under consideration in the state legislature. This legislation would create a new class of court-issued protection order called an, “extreme risk protection order”. Under this bill, a family member, someone in close relationship, a former spouse, a co-parent or a law enforcement official could petition the court asking for an order prohibiting a named defendant from purchasing or possessing a firearm for a period of one year, and the order could be renewed after that time. To grant such an order, the court would have to be presented with clear evidence that the named defendant poses a significant risk of personal injury to him or herself or others by possessing a firearm. Under certain circumstances the court can order the seizure of any firearms known to be owned by the defendant. If issued by the court, the name of the defendant would be entered into the network of databases maintained by the state, federal and local law enforcement agencies. Violation of the order could result in the defendant being fined up to $500 and/or serve up to 93 days in jail. Anyone subject to such a court order would have the right to petition the court to rescind or modify the order. Thinking about the provisions of the bill which would allow an “extreme risk protection order”, do you support or oppose enactment of this legislation into state law?
A majority, 70% support it, 20% are in opposition and 10% are undecided.
When asked about options for reducing gun violence voters polled were split with 37% of respondents in favor of an emphasis on identifying those with mental health issues and preventing them from acquiring a firearm and 35% supporting an emphasis on stricter requirements for anyone looking to buy a firearm. A combination of the two was supported by 20%, 6% said neither and 2% were undecided or refused to offer a response.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.
