Tomorrow, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 35 at 10 a.m. If passed and enacted into law, SB 35 would repeal Wisconsin’s antiquated 48 hour waiting period for handgun purchases.
The 48-Hour Rule for handgun purchases was first enacted in Wisconsin in 1976, prior to background checks on handgun sales. Due to the advent of instant background checks such as the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the 48 hour waiting period has become an unnecessary time tax on both the purchaser and the dealer. SB 35 would repeal the waiting period requirement and allow a licensed firearm dealer to transfer ownership of a handgun following notice from the Department of Justice that the background check indicates that the purchaser is not prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Using the contact information provided below, it is critical that you contact members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety and politely request their support for Senate Bill 35 when it comes before them tomorrow.
Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety:
Senator Van H. Wanggaard (R-21), Chairman
Phone: (608) 266-1832
Email: [email protected]
Senator Leah Vukmir (R-5), Vice Chairman
Phone: (608) 266-2512
Email: [email protected]
Senator Frank G. Lasee (R-1)
Phone: (608) 266-3512
Email: [email protected]
Senator Fred A. Risser (D-26)
Phone: (608) 266-1627
Email: [email protected]
Senator Lena C. Taylor
Phone: (608) 266-5810
Email: [email protected]