Helping Pass the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Law in Michigan

Support from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions help make policies to reduce gun violence possible. When Michigan became the latest state to pass an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, Center faculty and staff were on the ground to help make it happen. 

Research by the Center shows that ERPO laws, also known as red flag laws, are among the most effective policies in reducing both homicide and suicide. These policies remove and prevent the purchase of firearms by those who pose a risk to themselves or others.  

Because of this, the Center prioritizes advancing this gun safety policy across the nation. Currently 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted these lifesaving laws.  

The success in Michigan was years in the making. Lisa Geller, MPH, the Center’s director of implementation and her colleagues built strong relationships with key local stakeholders – including Progress Michigan, End Gun Violence Michigan, Force Detroit, and lawmakers to build a grassroots, statewide movement in support of ERPO in the state. 

Geller and her colleagues embedded themselves in the state to coordinate with local GVP leaders and groups including End Gun Violence Michigan.  

“End Gun Violence Michigan works closely with allies like the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions to advance life-saving policies,” says Ryan Bates, executive director of End Gun Violence Michigan. “The expertise of the Center’s advocates and researchers was indispensable in passing Michigan’s extreme risk protection order law.” 

Geller’s team shared Center resources translating the research in support of ERPO, creating talking points supporting the bill and distributing them across the state. 

“By working directly with state gun violence prevention advocates, we can identify where the Center’s resources are needed most to advance lifesaving legislation. We tailor the support and resources we provide to meet the unique circumstances and needs of each state.”  – Lisa Geller, MPH, Director of Implementation, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions

During the 2023 legislative session, Lisa supported SB 83 by providing Michigan’s ERPO bill sponsor State Senator Mallory McMorrow with research demonstrating the effectiveness of ERPO laws and submitted written testimony supporting the bill.

“Today, we take action to save lives, protect kids, families, and communities, and end gun violence,” said Michigan state senator Mallory McMorrow. “The data is clear that extreme risk protection orders are a commonsense, effective tool to keep guns out of the hands of those who may hurt themselves or others and are already employed by 19 states across the country. Let’s celebrate and be thankful for the progress we’ve made—the result of nearly a decade of work—and continue working together to save lives here in Michigan.” 

In the first year of implementation, 391 ERPO petitions were filed.

Lisa and her colleagues continue to support gun violence prevention in the state, presenting on the implementation of ERPO laws at the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Summit in January 2024. Lisa meets routinely with ERPO implementers and delivered presentations at several Michigan judicial conferences to improve the law’s implementationin 2024 and 2025.