Wisconsin Senate Bill SJR60

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/30/25
• Refer: 5/30/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

Proclaiming June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 60 is a commemorative resolution that proclaims June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin. The resolution does not create a new regulatory program or change criminal or firearms statutes; instead, it uses legislative findings to highlight the public health and social impacts of gun violence and to encourage awareness of the issue. The resolution includes a series of “whereas” clauses citing statistics on gun deaths and injuries in Wisconsin and nationwide, including the role of firearm suicide, youth mortality, and the economic costs of gun violence. It also notes that the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes that Second Amendment rights are subject to reasonable restrictions and states that gun safety laws are associated with lower firearm death rates. At the same time, it acknowledges Wisconsin’s tradition of responsible gun ownership, safe use, and hunting training.

Impact

SJR60 has no direct legal effect on Wisconsin statutes, administrative rules, or criminal penalties. Its impact is symbolic and declaratory: it formally designates a day of awareness and places the Legislature on record regarding gun violence as a public health and safety concern. The resolution may be used to support public education, advocacy, and future policy discussions, but it does not itself regulate firearms or alter existing rights or restrictions.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment reflected in the text is supportive of gun violence prevention and public awareness, while still recognizing lawful gun ownership and hunting traditions. The resolution’s findings frame gun violence as a serious statewide problem affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities, and they emphasize the value of safety measures and reasonable firearm restrictions. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no additional evidence of debate, amendment, or recorded opposition beyond the resolution’s own balancing language.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the resolution’s framing of firearms policy. Supporters of gun safety measures may view the findings on firearm deaths, suicide, and the effectiveness of gun safety laws as justification for stronger regulation, while gun rights advocates may object to language emphasizing Supreme Court-approved restrictions and the public health framing of gun ownership. The resolution attempts to reduce that tension by also affirming Wisconsin’s tradition of responsible gun ownership and hunting, but it still touches on a politically sensitive issue.