Today, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 5503, creating a "tipline" to turn in gun owners for perceived violations of Michigan's firearm storage laws. HB 5503 is an omnibus education funding bill that was amended to include the "tipline" language and swiftly passed through the legislature within hours. The expedited pace and the silencing of opposition when the bill came up for a floor vote underscores the reality that this was a political move and another attack on gun owners.
House Bill 5503 allocates up to $1,000,000 to establish a tipline for students to anonymously report improperly stored firearms. The money is allocated for the 2024-2025 school year and will be made accessible to intermediate school districts. The bill also funds the creation and distribution of educational materials to students outlining the safe storage of firearms and how to report violations.
This "tipline" could result in unwarranted interactions with law enforcement and unfettered searches of homes, business, and other places where firearms could be stored.
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