Democrats in the Michigan Legislature last year passed a trio of gun laws in the wake of the shooting at Michigan State University.

Those laws took effect recently.

We urge every gun owner in our area to familiarize themselves with the new laws to make sure they don’t run afoul of the law.

The new laws include:

∫ Universal background checks for all gun purchases.

∫ A so-called “red flag law” that allows courts to temporarily take guns away from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

∫ A new requirement that guns be properly stored. Unattended weapons must now be kept unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if a minor is likely to be present on the premises. Those who fail to store their firearms in that manner could face criminal penalties if a minor gets their hands on the gun and displays it in a public place, injures themselves or others, or kills someone.

Democrats in Lansing, who currently control both chambers of the Legislature and the governor’s office, say they want to pass more gun laws.

Your state representatives need to hear from you if you think more is needed, what we have is enough, or what we have is too much.

Contact information for state Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette and state Sen. Ed. McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, is listed below.

• State Sen. Ed. McBroom

1-517-373-7840

• State Rep. Jenn Hill

1-517-373-0498