June 20, 2024
Gun violence is a uniquely American problem. In 2020, firearm-related incidents became the leading cause of death for all children and adolescents in the United States. Rates of gun violence represent an ongoing public health crisis, one disproportionately impacting low-income and vulnerable communities. We must act to save lives and protect public safety.
Michigan has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the nation. Tragedies at Michigan State University, Oxford High School and recently in Rochester Hills serve as just a few sobering examples of what occurs when the root causes of gun violence are not addressed. We must honor though action all those who have been harmed and that we have lost throughout our state.
As a state, we have taken action to change laws and policy to address gun violence. We enacted commonsense legislation supported by a majority of Michiganders—background checks, safe storage laws, extreme risk protection orders, and stronger gun penalties for those convicted of domestic violence. Additionally, we dedicated millions of dollars in our balanced, bipartisan state budgets to school and community safety initiatives aimed at preventing future tragedies, as well as helping those impacted by gun violence heal. New offices have been formed and collaborations have begun, all with the goal of preventing future instances of gun violence from shattering more families, communities, and individuals.
Early returns on these investments across the State of Michigan have suggested early success but there is more we must do to build a safer future for all Michiganders. We must evaluate what we have done, what we are doing, and what more we can do to reduce gun violence and save lives. Creating a new statewide task force will continue the process of raising awareness to the unique causes of gun violence and help build more solutions to prevent future tragedies.
Section 51 of article 4 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 declares the public health and general welfare of the people of the State of Michigan as matters of primary public concern.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.
Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 places each principal department of state government under the supervision of the Governor unless otherwise provided.
Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 also obligates the Governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
Acting pursuant to the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:
1. Creation of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
(a) The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force (“Task Force”) is created as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services (“the Department”).
(b) The Task Force may include the following representatives of the executive branch of state government who, when serving, should take all appropriate action necessary to support the goals of this order:
1) The chief medical executive of the State of Michigan.
2) One representative from each of the following divisions within the Department, as designated by the director of the Department:
i) The Office of Community Violence Intervention.
ii) The Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control.
iii) The Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration; and,
iv) The Division of Victim Services.
3) The director of the Michigan State Police, or the director’s designated representative from within that department.
4) The Michigan State Police’s designated representative from within the Office of School Safety.
5) The superintendent of public instruction from the Department of Education, or the superintendent’s designated representative from within that department.
6) The director of the Department of Lifelong Learning, Education, Advancement, and Potential, or the director’s designated representative from within that department.
7) The director of the Department of Civil Rights, or the director’s designated representative from within that department.
8) The director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, or the director’s designated representative from within that department.
(c) In addition, the Task Force may include the following members from the community-at-large, each of whom shall be appointed by the Governor:
1) An individual associated with a research institution that studies gun violence.
2) An individual with experience doing clinical work, specializing in suicide prevention.
3) An individual with experience serving as a local school administrator.
4) An individual associated with an organization that provides community-level conflict mediation or violence intervention services.
5) An individual with experience working with survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
6) An individual with experience working within a tribal government.
7) An individual with experience working with a community or faith-based organization.
8) An individual who represents victims of gun violence.
9) An individual who is currently working as a prosecutor.
10) An individual who is currently working in local law enforcement.
(d) Members of the Task Force appointed under section (1)(b) are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor.
(e) Members of the task force appointed under section (1)(c) shall serve for the duration of the Task Force at the pleasure of the governor. A vacancy on the Task Force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the Task Force’s duration.
(f) The governor will select a chairperson for the Task Force from among the ex officio members. This person shall serve as chairperson for the duration of the Task Force, at the pleasure of the governor.
2. Charge to the Task Force
(a) The Task Force must act in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director of the Department on the root causes and possible solutions for gun violence in Michigan. This includes advising on prevention, intervention, and accountability and equity focused strategies, with the goal of reducing the rates and instances of gun violence in Michigan.
(b) The Task Force must review, develop, and recommend laws, policies, and any other legally permissible actions to reduce the rates and instances of gun violence in Michigan.
(c) Specifically, the Task Force may take the following actions:
1) Collect, compile, and report on data related to gun violence in Michigan and provide suggestions on how to improve the utility of such data.
2) Identify the root causes and any contributing factors to gun violence in Michigan.
3) Assess the effectiveness of existing gun violence mitigation measures and identify any gaps in current law, practice and/or policy.
4) Identify resources that currently exist to assist with gun violence prevention. This includes any funding, guidance, best practices, and existing offices, commissions, and boards working on overlapping issues. Then, develop strategies for maximizing these existing resources and enhancing opportunities for coordination.
5) Recommend new changes to Michigan’s law and policy, across all levels of government, with the goal of reducing the rates and instances of gun violence.
6) Establish a reasonable timeline for accomplishing goals and objectives to reduce the rates and instances of gun violence.
7) Engage stakeholders like local government officials, individuals with relevant lived experiences related to gun violence, medical professionals, research institutions, law enforcement, and community organizations, to solicit their expertise and opinions to best inform the Task Force’s mission.
(d) The Task Force shall provide written reports to the governor and the Department as follows:
1) An initial report no later than 180 days after the first meeting of the Task Force.
2) A final report no later than 180 days after the initial report described in section 2(d)(1).
3) Additional reports may be provided as necessary and relevant to the overall objectives and goals of the Task Force.
3. Operation of the Task Force
(a) The Department shall assist the Task Force in the performance of its duties. The budget, procurement, and related management functions of the Task Force shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the director of the Department.
(b) The Task Force shall timely adopt procedures and policies consistent with Michigan law and this order.
(c) The Task Force shall comply with the Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, as amended, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(d) The Task Force may select a secretary from among its members for the purpose of recordkeeping. Department staff shall assist the secretary with recordkeeping responsibilities, as needed.
(e) The Task Force shall meet at the call of its chairperson, and as otherwise provided by the internal procedures the Task Force shall adopt.
(f) A majority of the members of the Task Force serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Task Force. The Task Force must act by a majority vote of its serving members.
(g) The Task Force may establish advisory workgroups comprised of individuals participating in the Task Force’s activities or other members of the public, as deemed necessary by the Task Force, to assist the Task Force in performing its obligations and responsibilities under this order. The Task Force may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by any of the advisory workgroups that may be formed.
(h) The Task Force may, as appropriate, make inquiries, conduct studies, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Task Force may also consult with outside experts to perform its duties, including experts from the private sector, non-profits, advocacy groups, government agencies, law enforcement professionals, institutions of secondary education, research institutions, and institutions of higher education.
(i) The Task Force may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Task Force and the performance of its duties as the chairperson deems advisable and necessary, consistent with this order and applicable law, rules, and procedures, and subject to available funding.
(j) The Task Force may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person. Any donations must be received and used subject to, and in accordance with, law.
(k) Members of the Task Force must not receive additional compensation for participation on the Task Force. Members of the Task Force may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with applicable law, rules, and procedures, subject to available funding.
(l) Members of the Task force must refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Department.
(m) The business of the Task Force shall conclude 180 days after the completion of the report in section 2(d)(2) and this Task Force shall be dissolved at that time.
4. Implementation
(a) All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state shall give to the Task Force, or to its chairperson, any necessary assistance required by the Task Force, or its chairperson, in the performance of the duties of the Task Force so far as is compatible with their duties and consistent with this order and applicable law. Free access also must be given to any books, records, or documents in their custody relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Task Force, consistent with applicable law.
(b) This order is not intended to abate a proceeding commenced by, against, or before an officer or entity affected by this order. A proceeding may be maintained by, against, or before the successor of any officer or entity affected by this order.
(c) Nothing in this order shall be construed to change the organization of the executive branch of state government or the assignment of functions among its units, in a manner requiring the force of law.
(d) If any portion of this order is found to be unenforceable, the unenforceable provision will be disregarded, and the rest of the order will remain in effect as issued.
(e) This order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan.
Click to view the full PDF of the executive order.
Author:
