Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB531

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/15/25
• Refer: 10/15/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to create 20.455 (2) (de) and 165.985 of the statutes; Relating to: grants for safe firearm disposal incentive programs and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB531 would provide a structured framework for local governments and organizations to implement firearm disposal programs effectively. By creating a state-supported incentive for firearm disposal, the bill aims to decrease the number of firearms in circulation that are not in use. Additionally, this legislation could complement existing community safety initiatives by providing the necessary financial resources to conduct and promote these programs. The potential positive impact on community safety could foster a more supportive environment for future public safety measures.

Summary

AB531 aims to establish grants for safe firearm disposal incentive programs. The primary objective of this legislation is to promote the safe disposal of firearms in the community, reducing the risk associated with improperly discarded firearms and enhancing public safety. The bill would allocate funds to programs that encourage individuals to turn in unwanted or unused firearms, potentially offering incentives such as gift cards or other rewards. This initiative is particularly pertinent in addressing concerns regarding gun violence and firearm accessibility in communities across the state.

Contention

While many stakeholders support the initiative for safe firearm disposal, notable points of contention revolve around funding allocations and the approach to incentivizing participation in these programs. Critics may argue about the amount of funding that should be designated for this purpose, raising questions about resource allocation within the wider context of public safety budgets. Furthermore, differing opinions could emerge regarding the effectiveness of incentivization methods—how best to encourage individuals to dispose of firearms safely without entrenching existing issues related to firearm misuse.