Detroit City Council passes 'Bullet Bill' resolution

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Detroit City Council approved a "Bullet Bill" gun control resolution Wednesday with a unanimous vote.

The resolution limits ammunition amounts that can be bought while requiring a mental health background check on buyers of ammo in Wayne County. Commissioner Reggie Reg Davis of the 6th district spearheaded the resolution.

As part of a proposed Wayne County "Bullet Bill" ordinance, additional county taxes would be imposed on the purchase of ammunition with revenue going to assist victims of gun violence and educational programs with a focus on conflict resolution, administrative costs.

"It has to stop," said Reggie Reg Davis. "We must stop this. We can't continue to be a killing field."

Davis' family has suffered tragic losses from the violence.

"I talk about my kid brother Vito, I also lost another brother, Keon, I lost my uncle," he said.

He said he was also sick of hearing about horrific shootings in Detroit daily.

That's why Davis says he came up with the "Bullet bill."

"They understand. they hear the bullets every night and they understand what this is all about."

Davis worked closely with Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey, building a coalition.

"It's a start but we've got a long way to go," Spivey said.

Spivey sponsored the ordinance that would require mental health background checks on those looking to buy ammunition and it would also impose additional county taxes on ammo.

"We are not attempting to destroy your right to bear arms," Davis said. "(We want to) put taxes on that ammunition and use those funds to teach urban American folk about the importance of bearing arms and how to become a responsible gun owner."

Spivey and Davis also say regulating ammo, and not guns -- leaves much more room for compromise.

Davis and Spivey say they are grateful for the support of this city council, eventually hoping to make the resolution federal law.

"Lansing, here we come," Davis said.