EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2026-13 Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Department of Health and Human Services

In recent years, Michigan has made meaningful progress to reduce gun violence, bring crime down, and get illegal guns off the street. We established universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and extreme risk protection orders so guns do not get into the wrong hands. We have invested millions in community violence intervention programs to tackle the root causes of gun violence and worked with our partners in local government to address behavioral health and crisis response. And I am proud of our work to get illegal guns off the street through Operation Safe Neighborhoods.
But our work is not done. Gun violence remains a public health and safety challenge in Michigan. We must continue to coordinate at all levels to address gun violence, protect Michiganders, build on the progress we've made, and save lives.

In June 2024, I issued Executive Order 2024-4, creating the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force ("Task Force") to study the root causes of gun violence and recommend strategies for prevention, intervention, and accountability. The Task Force has since completed its final report, providing a comprehensive set of recommendations to reduce gun violence across the state.

The next phase requires focused implementation of the Task Force's recommendations, improved coordination across state government, and stronger data collection to track progress, support accountability, and ensure that policies are effective and responsive to community needs. Continued coordination through the Department of Health and Human Services will further a unified, public-health-centered approach to gun violence prevention.

Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.

Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 places each principal department of state government under the supervision of the governor unless otherwise provided.

Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 also obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

Section 51 of article 4 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 declares the public health and general welfare of the people of the State of Michigan as matters of primary public concern.

Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:

1. Reestablishment of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

(a) The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, created by Executive Order 2024-4, is reestablished and will operate as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services ("Department").

(b) The Task Force may include the following representatives of the executive branch of state government:

(1) The chief medical executive of the State of Michigan;

(2) One representative from each of the following divisions within the Department, as designated by the director of the Department:

(A) The Office of Community Violence Intervention;

(B) The Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control;

(C) The Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration; and

(D) The Division of Victim Services;

(3) The director of the Michigan State Police, or the director's designated representative from within that department;

(4) The Michigan State Police's designated representative from within the Office of School Safety;

(5) The Michigan Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designated representative from within that department;

(6) The superintendent of public instruction from the Department of Education, or the superintendent's designated representative from within that department;

(7) The director of the Department of Lifelong Learning, Education, Advancement, and Potential, or the director's designated representative from within that department;

(8) The director of the Department of Civil Rights, or the director's designated representative from within that department;

(9) The director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, or the director's designated representative from within that department.

(c) In addition, the Task Force may include the following members from the community-at-large, who the governor will appoint:

(1) An individual associated with a research institution that studies gun violence;

(2) An individual with experience doing clinical work, specializing in suicide prevention;

(3) An individual with experience serving as a local school administrator;

(4) An individual associated with an organization that provides community-level conflict mediation or violence-intervention services;

(5) An individual with experience working with survivors of domestic violence and abuse;

(6) An individual with experience working within a tribal government;

(7) An individual with experience working with a community or faith-based organization;

(8) An individual who represents victims of gun violence;

(9) An individual who is a healthcare provider and has a demonstrated commitment to reducing gun violence;

(10) An individual who is currently working as a prosecutor; and

(11) An individual who is currently working in local law enforcement.

(d) Members of the Task Force appointed under section (1)(b) are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor.

(e) Members of the Task Force appointed under section (1)(c) will serve four-year terms at the pleasure of the governor. A vacancy on the Task Force will be filled in the same manner as the original appointment and the appointed individual will serve for the remainder of the four-year term. Individuals who served as members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force prior to its dissolution may be appointed to serve on the Task Force created by this Executive Order.

(f) The governor will select a chairperson for the Task Force from among the ex officio members to serve at the pleasure of the governor.


2. Charge to the Task Force

(a) The Task Force will act in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director of the Department on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the final report issued by the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

(b) The Task Force will:

(1) Develop strategies and timelines for implementing the Task Force's recommendations;

(2) Identify barriers to implementation and propose solutions;

(3) Recommend legislative, policy, and administrative action necessary to advance implementation;

(4) Engage stakeholders, including local governments, individuals with lived experience, medical professionals, law enforcement, and community organizations; and

(5) Provide ongoing guidance to ensure that implementation efforts are effective, equitable, and responsive to community needs. The Task Force will work and consult with appropriate departments, agencies, and external partners to improve the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to gun violence and prevention efforts, including data concerning extreme risk protection orders, personal protection orders, and other relevant public-safety and public-health metrics.

(c) The Task Force may periodically provide written reports to the governor and the Department as necessary and relevant to the overall objectives and goals of implementation.

3. Operation of the Task Force

(a) The Department will assist the Task Force in the performance of its duties. The budget, procurement, and related management functions of the Task Force will be performed under the direction and supervision of the director of the Department.

(b) The Task Force will timely adopt procedures and policies consistent with Michigan law and this order.

(c) The Task Force will comply with the Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, as amended, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(d) The Task Force may select a secretary from among its members for the purpose of recordkeeping. Department staff will assist the secretary with recordkeeping responsibilities, as needed.

(e) The Task Force will meet at the call of its chairperson, and as otherwise provided by the internal procedures the Task Force will adopt.

(f) A majority of the members of the Task Force serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Task Force. The Task Force must act by a majority vote of its serving members.

(g) The Task Force may establish advisory workgroups comprised of individuals participating in the Task Force's activities or other members of the public, as deemed necessary by the Task Force, to assist the Task Force in performing its obligations and responsibilities under this order. The Task Force may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by any of the advisory workgroups that may be formed.

(h) The Task Force may, as appropriate, make inquiries, conduct studies, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Task Force may also consult with outside experts to perform its duties, including experts from the private sector, non-profits, advocacy groups, government agencies, law enforcement professionals, institutions of secondary education, research institutions, and institutions of higher education.

(i) The Task Force may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Task Force and the performance of its duties as the chairperson deems advisable and necessary, consistent with this order and applicable law, rules, and procedures, and subject to available funding.

(j) The Task Force may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person. Any donations must be received and used subject to, and in accordance with, law.

(k) Members of the Task Force must not receive additional compensation for participation on the Task Force. Members of the Task Force may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with applicable law, rules, and procedures, subject to available funding.

(l) Members of the Task Force must refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Department.

4. Implementation

(a) All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state must give to the Task Force, or to its chairperson, any necessary assistance required by the Task Force, or its chairperson, in the performance of the duties of the Task Force so far as is compatible with their duties and consistent with this order and applicable law. Free access also must be given to any books, records, or documents in their custody relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Task Force, consistent with applicable law.

(b) This order is not intended to abate a proceeding commenced by, against, or before an officer or entity affected by this order. A proceeding may be maintained by, against, or before the successor of any officer or entity affected by this order.

(c) Nothing in this order will be construed to change the organization of the executive branch of state government or the assignment of functions among its units, in a manner requiring the force of law.

(d) If any portion of this order is found to be unenforceable, the unenforceable provision will be disregarded, and the rest of the order will remain in effect as issued.

(e) This order is effective upon filing.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Michigan.

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