Weather
I-TeamI-Team: Gun Laws UpdateBy Aaron Diamant
An update on an explosive I-Team Investigation shows there's a new push for tougher gun laws.
Right now in Wisconsin, it's illegal for a felon to buy a gun. But it's not illegal for a private citizen to sell a gun to a felon.
State Senator Spencer Coggs wants to close that loophole for good.
"It stabs each and every time right into your heart," he told TODAY'S TMJ4's Aaron Diamant.
The plan is simple. If you sell your gun to a felon who uses it to commit a crime, you could also be in trouble.
Senator Coggs calls Milwaukee's gun violence an epidemic. An epidemic made worse by weak laws.
"A person can buy a gun legally and then go right out and sell it to another person who could be a felon with the excuse that they just didn't know."
Statistics show felons with guns will most likely use them to commit more violent crime.
That's why Coggs drew up what he calls the "Responsible Gun Ownership Bill."
The plan would require all private gun sellers in Milwaukee County run a buyer's background before making a sale...something gun dealers already do.
Those who break the law could face 10 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
"The anti-gunners say, 'Let's do it.' The pro-gunners say, 'Oh, my God. You can't do it.' Well come on. Somebody needs to wake up, smell the coffee, alright, this is the way to stop it," says Mick Beatovic of the Badger Outdoors gun store.
During the last legislative session the bill never made it out of committee. But Coggs says he expects more support this year.
If it passes, Senator Coggs' bill would only apply to private gun sales in Milwaukee County. Coggs hopes to eventually make it a statewide law.
|
On Demand |
