Wisconsin: Senate Committee Passes 48 Hour Waiting Period Repeal Bill

After a hearing on Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety passed Senate Bill 35 favorably out of committee by a 3-2 vote yesterday.  Senators Van Wanggaard (R-21), Leah Vukmir (R-5) and Frank Lasee (R-1) all voted in support of this critical bill.  Please take a moment to thank them for their continued support.  

SB 35 is an important pro-gun bill which 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.  

SB 35 has been transmitted to the full state Senate where it is awaiting consideration.  Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to vote in SUPPORT of SB 35 when it comes before them.  Your NRA-ILA will keep you updated as to when SB 35 is scheduled for a vote.