Sen. Smith's Statement Regarding Introduction of ERPO Bill

MADISON – Today, Democratic legislators, Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) introduced LRB-4383. This bill would create a civil process for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) to temporarily remove firearms from a person who is at risk of harming themselves or others.

This legislation is modeled after the existing process for implementing temporary restraining orders in cases of domestic abuse, child abuse or harassment. Wisconsin would be joining 17 other states and Washington D.C. if ERPO laws were enacted in the state.

In response to the introduction of LRB-4383, Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) released the following statement:

“The ERPO bill is an opportunity to save lives. Wisconsin is not immune to the public health epidemic of gun violence affecting the nation. Communities across the state have dealt with the direct impact of mass shootings and suicide by firearm. I’m hopeful that the Republicans can set aside their political differences to join my Democratic colleagues in supporting this critical legislation.” 

The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo and Pepin counties and portions of Trempealeau, Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Chippewa and Jackson counties and very small portions of Chippewa and St. Croix counties.

###