FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 7, 2019

CONTACT: Lisa Subeck, 608-266-7521 (office)

 

On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Representative Subeck Renews Support for 48-Hour Waiting Period for Handgun Purchases

 

MADISON – Today, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) joined community members, legislators, and advocacy groups in observing National Gun Violence Awareness Day by renewing her support for reinstating Wisconsin’s 48 hour waiting period for handgun purchases.  Rep. Subeck is among a group of legislators circulating legislation that would reinstate the waiting period.

“On Gun Violence Awareness Day, we remember those whose lives have been cut short by gun violence and call for bold, swift action to prevent future tragedies,” said Rep. Subeck. “Over the last eight years, Republicans have failed to take any meaningful steps to address gun violence, and the time is now to address this public health and safety crisis.”  

In 2015, the Republican-controlled Legislature repealed Wisconsin’s nearly 40-year-old requirement that a federally licensed firearm dealer wait 48 hours to transfer a handgun. This “cooling off” period played an important role in de-escalating domestic conflicts and preventing suicides for individuals in crisis. Research from the Harvard Business School indicates that waiting periods can reduce suicide and homicide rates. Reinstating Wisconsin’s waiting period would help prevent impulsive violence and save lives.  

“Every family wants to know that they and their children are safe whether they are home, at school, at work, or out in the community,” said Rep. Subeck. “It is time to put people ahead of politics by passing common sense, lifesaving public safety measures such as reinstating the 48 hour waiting period.”

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