Following the tradition of other movements, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility has always believed that progress must start and be concentrated at the state and local level. Our state partner work presents the opportunity to test our theory of change which is our belief that the fastest way to save lives is by investing in state-based organizing. This isn’t just a theory- it’s a long-held American tradition. Many social movements, from suffrage to marriage equality, have followed the same course- local action pushing up to federal action.
At this moment in our country’s history this approach is even more important. For the last 5 years, the significant resources and the strategic and technical support the Alliance has provided contributed to the progress our state-partners in Maine, Oregon and Michigan achieved in increased funding, staff and grassroots support.
MAINE GUN SAFETY COALITION
In 2025, Maine voters made history by passing Question 2 – establishing a long-overdue Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law. This landmark ballot measure allows family members and law enforcement to petition the courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others – a proven, life-saving policy already working in more than 20 other states.
In addition to passage of the ERPO law, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition policy victories include:
- Mandating background checks for sales of firearms
- Requiring a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases
- Banning Bump Stocks
Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety
In 2023, the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety celebrated a definitive victory in federal court in defense of Measure 114. The Alliance played an integral role helping pass this measure to ensure completed background checks, safety training, and a ban on high-capacity magazines.
In addition to passage of Measure 114, the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety organizational accomplishments include:
- Creating a Gun Violence Prevention equity table to re-focus the City of Portland’s attention to address gun homicide in unhoused communities.
- Founding the Veteran Health Coalition
- Helping create a Firearm Suicide Task Force and developed a comprehensive plan to train rural health care doctors in lethal means and suicide prevention.
End Gun Violence Michigan
In 2024, a number of critical new gun safety laws went into effect thanks to the life-saving efforts of our state partner in Michigan. End Gun Violence Michigan helped pass four historic gun laws through the state legislature including universal background checks on all gun sales, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, safe storage and protections for domestic violence.
In addition to passing of these four historic gun laws, the End Gun Violence Michigan policy victories include:
- Banning open carry of firearm at polling places and clerks’ offices
- Requiring every school in Michigan to inform parents each year about safe storage
- Authorizing Medicaid payments for hospital-based Community Violence Intervention
How the Funding Flows Towards Life-Saving Gun Violence Prevention Laws
