MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers are pushing again for changes to the state’s gun laws after mass shootings in Colorado and the Atlanta area.
State Sen. LaTonya Johnson, a Democrat from Milwaukee, says she wants to see mandatory background checks on online and private gun sales.
“We can no longer seem to ignore this as writing it off as an urban issue. It’s not. It’s a Wisconsin issue,” said State Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee. “Individuals are not going to Carbela’s [sic] to purchase these guns because they would not pass the background check, they are buying these guns online.”
Background checks are already mandatory when buying guns from dealers, even online, but not for private sales.
Johnson also supports red flag laws, which would allow police or even citizens to petition a court to confiscate weapons from someone they think is a danger to themselves or others.
“I know with these steps, we can reduce gun violence, slow illegal gun sales and protect communities, all while protecting rights and liberties of Wisconsin,” said State Sen. Melissa Agard, D-Madison.
However, Republican lawmakers think there are already enough state laws on banning gun possession. State Rep. Dave Murphy, R-Greenville says he opposes a red flag law.
“I don’t think it does as much as people think it does,” said Murphy, “because the ability to take guns away from people exists in the court system, and I support that.”
Roth thinks Wisconsin needs to do a better job of prosecuting those who illegally have or try to obtain a gun.
“Let’s enforce the laws we have right now and prosecute people who illegally try to obtain a firearm,” said Roth.
Some of the Democrats’ ideas on gun laws are part of Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal. However, Republican lawmakers believe it should be handled outside of the budget.
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