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GOP Repealing 48-hour Cooling-off Period for Gun Purchases PDF Print E-mail
News - Articles for State & Local
Written by GBP Staff   
Wednesday, 22 April 2015 15:08

gun-sales-ammoWalker, Republicans choose to ignore public safety need, suck up to the NRA by repealing 48-hour cooling-off period when buying a handgun.


MADISON - Under a bill proposed by Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and supported by Gov. Scott Walker, legislative Republicans have decided to side with special interest groups by repealing Wisconsin’s 48-hour cooling-off period on purchasing handguns.

The handgun waiting period debate has found Walker sucking up to the NRA as moves around the country in his still to be announced candidacy for President.

The GOP-controlled Legislature previously passed a concealed carry law, which Gov. Scott Walker signed in July 2011. Later that year, in December 2011, Walker signed a “castle doctrine” law, which provides homeowners who shoot intruders with new legal protections.

“This basically is a time tax,” said Wanggaard back in February.

Wanggaard said that the so-called “48-hour rule,” first enacted in Wisconsin in 1976, became law before statutory background checks on handgun purchases. And he added that with current technology, background checks can be conducted in about an hour.

“Everybody is kind of connected now,” he said. “Back in the day, 48 hours was instantaneous.”

The legislation allows a federally licensed firearms dealer to transfer a handgun immediately after receiving notice from the Department of Justice that the person trying to buy a gun isn’t prohibited from owning a firearm.

chris_larsonIn a statement released Tuesday, Senator Chris Larson (D - Milwaukee) said in response to the decision by Republicans:

“Today’s actions come as a slap in the face to citizens desperate for solutions to increasing gun violence. Instead of focusing on ways to make our communities safer and implementing background checks for all types of firearm sales – which polling has shown a vast majority of the public and even 74% of National Rifle Association members support – Republicans took a completely irresponsible step backwards by ignoring the public safety and mental health needs of our community. We must do more to protect families against gun violence, not cave to the influence and pressure of gun manufacturers and lobbyists.

“Unfortunately, today we saw another clear example of Republicans in the state putting special interest groups before people and sound public policy. Republicans passing this bill today is like eliminating stoplights, and pretending there won’t be more accidents.

“Republicans in the Legislature need to put aside their blind support for Governor Walker’s ambitions, and stop passing bills to bolster his rhetoric while he tries to leave Wisconsin behind. Instead, they should join us in focusing on improving the quality of life of our neighbors here in Wisconsin. We’d be much better off as a state if leaders instead promoted our state’s shared values, such as investing in our kids’ schools, improving access to basic health care services, and creating family-supporting jobs that will help us grow the economy.”

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 April 2015 15:35
 
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