LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – In the spring of 2023, Michigan senators introduced Public Act 17 — a secure storage law stating that anyone who owns a firearm, reasonably known to be in the presence of a minor, are to keep them locked, unloaded, and apart from their ammunition. The law first took effect in February of 2024.
Along with its passing, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has gathered partnerships with the Michigan State Police, schools, and other community organizations. Their initiatives look to spread awareness to the importance of these safety measures, while also sharing information on where gun owners can obtain free cable gun locks.
“All firearm injuries are completely preventable and we all have a role to play in keeping our children safe,” said Jennifer DeLaCruz, director at the Office of Community Violence Intervention Services with the MDHHS. “We continue to focus on promoting the secure storage law, making sure everyone has access to free gun locks, which you can get at a local MDHHS office or health department, you can just walk in and ask.”
Since the law was signed, approximately 110,600 locks have been distributed, with over 63,000 since February of 2025. As gun violence remains a leading cause of death for children in the U.S., the MDHHS says this legislation continues to pull the right amount of access away.
“We know that unsecured firearms are a clear safety risk, especially to children,” said DeLaCruz. “If this law prevents just one needless tragedy of a child accessing an unsecured firearm and injuring themselves or someone else, then to me, it’s worth it.”
Public Act 17 also requires every school in Michigan to provide parents and guardians with information about proper firearm storage. For more information on obtaining a free gun lock, contact your local health department or MDHHS office.
