Michigan families reminded about availability of free gun locks

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan State Police (MSP) are reminding Michigan families about the availability of free gun locks at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments as the state recognizes the one-year anniversary of Michigan’s secure storage law going into effect. More than 56,800 free gun locks have been distributed during that time.

Public Act 17 of 2023 requires individuals to keep stored or unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises. The law took effect Feb. 13, 2024.

In the past year, MSP used $500,000 in state funding appropriated in the FY24 MSP budget to purchase thousands of cable-style gun locks from Project ChildSafe. Those locks have been available for free at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments since last summer.

“Everyone in Michigan deserves to feel safe, whether they’re at home, work, school, or out in the community,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

“Gun owners play an important role in helping to prevent firearm injuries and death by ensuring minors don’t have access to firearms,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “The solution is simple – obtain and use a gun lock. Even though we have distributed tens of thousands of free gun locks in the last year, we continue to urge all gun owners to obtain a lock and safely secure firearms.”

To obtain a free cable gun lock, residents can visit a local MDHHS office to request one or check with their local health department, some of which also have gun locks available.

Free gun locks can additionally be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state. Gun lock installation instructions are included within the product’s packaging and available on the Project ChildSafe website.

To learn more about Michigan’s Secure Storage Law, visit Michigan.gov/secure-storage-law.