Michigan Dems thwarted by attendance in efforts to pass gun law bills during lame duck session

LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - The clock is ticking on Democrats in Lansing to pass bills during the lame duck session and, in the wake of another school shooting in America, a package of bills intended to reduce gun violence is awaiting their votes. But a single representative is refusing to attend – putting that potential legislation in jeopardy.

Two years ago, Democrats won control of Michigan's Governor office, state Senate, and state House of Representatives. It enabled Democrats to push through bills without a blockade from the Republican Party. That will all change starting next year.

In November, Republicans took back control of the House, while Democrats maintain the Senate majority. But that means, starting in January, all bills that pass will need bipartisan support. Democrats worked to push through some bills already – including a law to protect reproductive health care.

What bills do Lansing Democrats want to pass?

Lawmakers want to pass a stack of gun safety bills. 

The package includes banning ghost guns and bump stocks.

Ghost guns are weapons that don't have serial numbers and ar not traceable. They're put together using different elements bought either as a kit or separately. 

A bump stock replaces a rifle's standard stock – that frees up the weapon to slide back and forth rapidly.

What's holding up bills in Lansing?

But the turn to focus on gun legislation is looking to be a problem. House Speaker Joe Tate needs 56 votes to pass gun safety measures in the House, but Detroit Democrat Rep. Karen Whitsett says she's staying home until the speaker agrees to pour more state dollars into lawmakers' hometowns. 

If she's absent or refuses to vote, the speaker has just 55 votes.

"It's disappointing that drama in Lansing may derail really important legislation," activist Ryan Bates said. "It's disappointing that we're seeing politicians play politics with people's lives."

Could a Republican vote in favor of the bills?

Normally, the gun safety lobby might be able to pick up a few GOP votes on their bills, but Republicans are part of the drama too. They're likely to stay out of their seats again on Wednesday.

"We're not going to sit back and see how this thing plays out. we're urging our supporters to contact every legislator to encourage them to work together," Bates said.

With Republicans running the house, Bates knows that it's going to be tougher to pass gun safety measures. 

"We know it will be a more challenging environment for our issue," Bates said. "It is always the right time to save lives from gun violence. Now is better than tomorrow."