The Michigan Senate has passed a bill that bans the sales and possession of “ghost guns.” Ghost guns are guns that are put together by an individual, not a manufacturer, using parts from a kit or using separate pieces. Because of how these guns are assembled, they don’t have serial numbers and are, therefore, very difficult to identify and track.

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3D-printed guns are also banned in similar bills that were passed the same day. There were more than 45,000 suspected ghost guns reported to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms from 2016 to 2021, according to the agency.

One of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), stated that the weapon used to kill the United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson in New York was likely a ghost gun, according to law enforcement.

These bills are part of a multitude of bills the Michigan Legislature is working on in overtime as their lame duck session comes to a close soon.

Other headlines for Friday, Dec. 13, 2024:

• Another set of bills being considered in Lansing would establish a “duty to intervene” law, restrict no-knock warrants, make it a felony to tamper with body cameras and require law enforcement agencies to create policies about the use of force. The duty to intervene law would require police departments to check if prospective hires had been previously fired for poor conduct, which has happened numerous times, according to a 7 Action News investigation.
• The City of Detroit is reminding residents that there are warming centers and respite locations to provide relief from these frigid temperatures. For more information, contact the Detroit Housing Services Helpline at (866) 313-2520.
• The Detroit Opera Youth Chorus is having their Winter Fantasy performance on Sunday, Dec. 15. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. concert. The concert will showcase various musical styles including folk tunes, holiday classics, highlights from ‘The Sound of Music’ and more. For tickets, go to detroitopera.org

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