Representative Lisa Subeck Responds to Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling on Domestic Violence Loophole for Firearm Possession

MADISON – Today, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) called for action on Assembly Bill 321/Senate Bill 317 following a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to allow concealed carry of firearms by individuals convicted on misdemeanor domestic violence charges, despite significant risk to the victims.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Jill Karofsky, who previously served as an Assistant Attorney General working as a Violence Against Women resource prosecutor and led the Office of Victim Services in the Department of Justice, describes the result as “nonsensical” and “dangerous,” though “legally correct.” She then called on the legislature to protect targets of domestic violence, who are five times more likely to be killed when their abusers have access to a gun, by closing a loophole that allows individuals convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct as the result of a domestic violence incident to possess a firearm.

Representative Subeck has authored bipartisan legislation (AB 321/SB 317) with Senator Dale Kooyenga to prevent access to firearms by any person with a prior domestic violence conviction, including misdemeanor disorderly conduct related to domestic violence. Despite introduction with bipartisan support during each of the past two legislative sessions, Republican leadership has refused to allow public testimony or hold a vote on the bill.

“It is unacceptable that Republicans would allow yet another session to pass without taking action to protect victims of domestic violence,” said Rep. Subeck. “We must give law enforcement and the courts the tools they need to protect our families and communities from dangerous individuals with a history of violent behavior.”

Representative Lisa Subeck has represented the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.

 

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