Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the red flag law Monday afternoon that aims to keep firearms away from those at risk of harming themselves or others.
The new law, also known as extreme risk protection orders, is expected to go into effect next spring. It will allow family members, police, mental health professionals, roommates, and former dating partners to petition a judge to remove firearms from those they believe pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. If granted, the judge would then have 14 days to set a hearing during which the flagged person would have to prove they do not pose a significant risk.
A standard order would last one year. Michigan becomes the 21st state to implement a red flag law.