GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan law regarding gun buyback programs is facing changes as 2025 approaches.
A House bill approved by lawmakers would require all firearms that are turned over as part of a gun buyback program to be destroyed.
The bill was enrolled earlier this week, sending it to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
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Gun buyback programs have been used by numerous police departments over the years, including in Grand Rapids, where residents in 2022 turned in nearly 300 firearms at a gun buyback event. It was twice the number turned in during previous gun buyback programs in the city. In exchange for each firearm turned in, residents received a gift card ranging from $100 to $200.
House Bill 6144 would require that the Michigan State Police destroy all firearms turned over to it that were purchased by a municipality as part of a gun buyback program.
In the past, police agencies had the discretion to auction off the guns that were turned in. Under the new bill, that would no longer be an option.