Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has aligned with a coalition of 16 attorneys general to address gun violence by holding the firearms industry accountable for irresponsible practices. The coalition aims to enhance public safety and save lives through coordinated enforcement of civil liability and consumer protection laws.

"The firearms industry, much like the pharmaceutical companies that fueled the opioid epidemic, has the responsibility to ensure their business practices don’t lead to the loss of Michigan lives," Nessel stated. "Those who enable gun violence through reckless and deceptive practices must be held accountable. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and work to prevent these tragedies in our communities."

The states involved are committed to ensuring accountability among manufacturers, distributors, and sellers whose actions result in unlawful sales or gun trafficking. Attorney General Nessel has supported state legislation like House Bills 6183-6185, known as the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, led by Representative Ranjeev Puri. If passed, Michigan would join nine other states with similar accountability laws.

Several offices within the coalition have pursued civil enforcement against firearms businesses under state law. New Jersey's SAFE Office has taken action against gun stores for sales violations, while Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb filed lawsuits against dealers selling illegally trafficked weapons.

In Washington D.C., legal action was taken against Polymer80 for selling untraceable ghost guns, resulting in a $4 million judgment in 2022. Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Fleet Farm for negligent firearm sales, and Washington's Bob Ferguson took action against a retailer for selling large-capacity magazines unlawfully.

Attorney General Nessel advocates for various gun safety measures including age restrictions on handgun purchases and prohibitions on firearms in government buildings. Her support extends to laws enhancing background checks and storage standards in Michigan, which were enacted last year under Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

A Joyce Foundation report highlights that gun violence leads to over $500 billion in economic losses annually across the United States.

The coalition includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.