Democratic Lawmakers Push For Expanded Background Checks On Gun Sales

Law enforcement officials and the state’s largest group against domestic violence joined democratic lawmakers Wednesday to call for background checks on all firearms.

A Democratic bill requiring those check does have some exceptions, including guns inherited or given as gifts to family members. Madison Rep. Melissa Sargent stressed the legislation won’t affect hunters. She said it’s intended to make communities safer.

“I know that this legislation is not going to stop my family or any family from enjoying the traditions and heritage of our state,” Sargent said.

Supporters argue better tracking of gun sales will help reduce gun crime. Milwaukee Sen. Nikiya Harris Dodd said, “We’re doing a terrible job when in 2013, 20 percent of all handguns purchased in Milwaukee that we were able to track were being used in a crime within six months.”

In Wisconsin, background checks are not required for online sales, gun shows or between individuals on the street.

This bill would require background checks on all sales in Wisconsin by routing them through licensed dealers.

Efforts to expand background checks have previously failed at the federal level and stalled in Wisconsin.

A recent poll by Marquette University Law School shows that 81 percent of registered Wisconsin voters surveyed favor background checks on sales.