A LEADER ON ANTI-CRIME INITIATIVES

Reducing Gun Violence

Michelle was a key proponent of the Governor's Program Bill, now a law, which helps prevent similar tragedies as the 2007 Virginia Tech Massacre by preventing severely mentally ill residents and violent felons from purchasing firearms. Reducing gun violence and protecting youth from gun violence remains a signature issue for Michelle.

Helping Police Solve Crimes

To date, Michelle's proudest accomplishment is her microstamping legislation (A.6468c/S.6005a), which she introduced to help law enforcement solve gun crimes. Her bill would make all semi-automatic handguns microstamp capable by January 1, 2012. When fired, all shell cartridges would have a microstamped engraved code for the make, model and serial number of the firearm. Law enforcement would be able to trace the cartridge back to the original buyer of the firearm creating a whole new system of crime leads. Michelle's microstamping legislation has been endorsed by over 100 law enforcement agencies, police departments, and elected officials from across the state. The bill passed the Assembly with bipartisan support in 2008, 2009 and 2010, but has been blocked in the Senate due to strong-arming by the gun lobby.

Imposing Tougher Penalties on Drunk Drivers

Following several fatal DWI accidents last year which involved intoxicated drivers who were operating vehicles with children as passengers, the State Legislature recently passed a bill that imposes severe penalties on those who drive drunk with a child in the car. Leandra's Law, co-sponsored by Michelle, is considered the toughest DWI law in the country. This new law creates the first-time felony of driving while intoxicated with a child passenger. It also requires the installation of ignition interlock devices by those convicted of the new crime and other DWI-related offenses. This device is a breathalyzer tied to a car's ignition system and prevents drivers from starting their vehicles when intoxicated.