Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB368

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/27/23
• Refer: 7/27/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Sales and transfers of firearms and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws regarding firearm transfers. It alters existing statutes to tighten control over how firearms may be sold, essentially placing oversight predominantly in the hands of licensed dealers. By removing the allowance for casual gift transfers and other informal sales, AB368 aims to ensure that all firearm transactions comply with a standardized safety protocol, primarily influenced by background checks similar to those for handgun sales. The stipulations set forth in this legislation are reflective of larger trends in the national conversation regarding gun control and public safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill 368 addresses the sales and transfers of firearms within the state of Wisconsin, implementing stricter regulations surrounding these transactions. The bill mandates that individuals may only transfer firearms through licensed firearms dealers and requires a background check for the prospective transferee before any transfer can occur. Notably, violations of this provision would subject individuals to misdemeanor charges, with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 and the possibility of imprisonment as well as a two-year prohibition on firearm possession. This bill is positioned as an effort to enhance public safety and regulate gun sales more effectively.

Contention

Opposition to AB368 stems from concerns about personal freedoms and the potential burden on lawful gun owners. Critics argue that the bill undermines the rights of individuals to freely manage their property and gift firearms to family members without government interference. There is also apprehension regarding how these requirements could affect legal owners who wish to sell or transfer firearms to friends or relatives, potentially discouraging responsible ownership. This contention resonates within a broader political debate concerning Second Amendment rights and state versus federal regulatory powers.