File Photo of Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

LANSING – On Thursday, 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.”

“No one should live in fear of violence in their neighborhoods,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force has worked hard over the last two years to develop strategies that will keep our communities safe. I’m proud to see their work build on the progress we’ve made to reduce gun violence in Michigan, such as enacting commonsense gun violence prevention laws and getting illegal firearms off the streets. Let’s continue to stand tall for our communities and keep building a safer, more resilient Michigan.”

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Today’s 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.

The next phase requires focused implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations, improved coordination across state government, and stronger data collection to track progress, support accountability, and ensure that policies are effective and responsive to community needs. Continued coordination through the Department of Health and Human Services will further a unified, public-health-centered approach to gun violence prevention.

What They’re Saying:

“I’m incredibly proud of the historic first steps we took to make Michigan’s schools and communities safer under Governor Whitmer’s leadership” said State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), Chair of the Firearm Safety and Gun Violence Prevention Caucus. “But gun violence is a public health crisis and there is so much more we must do to protect Michigan families and help our communities heal. The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force has been a tremendous partner to the Legislature as we work to strengthen our laws and find new common-sense solutions that reduce gun violence. I am incredibly thankful that we can keep working together and building on the progress we’ve made until every Michigander is safe from gun violence.”

“Kalamazoo Public Schools is honored to welcome Governor Whitmer to our community,” Dr. Darrin Slade, Superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priorities, and we appreciate opportunities to collaborate with state and local partners on efforts that help create safe, supportive learning environments.”

“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.”

“Kalamazoo Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action are active in schools and the community to support gun law reforms passed by the Whitmer Administration,” said Rick and Martha Omilian, volunteers with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We look forward to supporting next steps to protect Michigan residents. We appreciate Governor Whitmer coming to Kalamazoo to make this important announcement alongside student leaders.”

Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Laws

In 2023, in response to the Oxford and MSU tragedies, Governor Whitmer and the majority in the Michigan Legislature took action on gun violence, enacting commonsense gun violence prevention laws supported by the majority of Michiganders.