Voluntary prohibitions on purchasing a handgun. (FE)
Impact
The bill will amend existing laws regarding handgun purchases in Wisconsin, specifically affecting Section 165.64, and will involve adjusting how background checks are conducted by licensed firearm dealers. When a background check is requested for an individual included in the new database, the DOJ must inform the dealer that the individual is prohibited from making a purchase. This shift in the law could lead to a broader discussion around self-regulation and voluntary measures for firearm safety, reflecting society's ongoing debates regarding gun ownership and mental health considerations.
Summary
Senate Bill 674 introduces a framework for individuals to voluntarily prohibit themselves from purchasing a handgun. This bill requires the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop a database that maintains records of individuals who have opted for such a prohibition. The legislation allows individuals to submit requests for a prohibition period of either one year, five years (with the first year being irrevocable), or twenty years (again, with the first year being irrevocable). This voluntary measure could appeal to individuals who believe they may pose a danger to themselves or others, or who wish to ensure they are disqualified from purchasing handguns for personal reasons.
Contention
Notably, the bill has sparked discussions among legislators and advocacy groups. Supporters argue it enhances public safety by giving individuals a proactive option to prevent firearm access during vulnerable times. However, opponents may express concerns regarding the implications of self-reporting on mental health, privacy issues, and the potential stigma that could arise from being placed on such a registry. The effectiveness of voluntary measures like this is also a point of debate, with skeptics questioning whether they will genuinely impact overall gun safety and reduce firearm-related incidents.
Relating to prohibiting governmental discriminatory practices as well as submissions and trainings that could lead to discriminatory treatment of individuals because of personal identity characteristics including an individual's race, color, ethnicity, sex, national origin or religion and the establishment of remedies and penalties for discriminatory treatment.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15, a new chapter to title 15.1, a new section to chapter 54-10, and a new chapter to title 54 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the regulation of prohibited discriminatory practices; and to provide for a legislative management report.