Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB692

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/27/23
• Refer: 11/27/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Voluntary prohibitions on purchasing a handgun. (FE)

Impact

The passage of AB692 will have a significant impact on the control of handguns within the state. It aims to enhance public safety by allowing individuals to take personal responsibility regarding their mental health concerns and potential risks associated with firearm ownership. By having a system where individuals can voluntarily enter a prohibition, the bill may also alleviate some of the concerns regarding mental health and gun ownership. However, there must be careful implementation to ensure that the database is secure and that individuals' rights are respected while preventing misuse of this provision.

Summary

Assembly Bill 692 establishes a procedural framework that allows individuals in Wisconsin to voluntarily prohibit themselves from purchasing handguns. This legislation creates a formal mechanism for individuals who may feel they pose a risk to themselves or others to take a proactive step in preventing access to firearms. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is tasked with developing the necessary application forms and managing a database of individuals who have opted for such prohibitions. The bill outlines different timeframes for prohibitions: a one-year irrevocable prohibition, a five-year prohibition where the first year is irrevocable, and a twenty-year prohibition, also with an irrevocable first year.

Contention

The bill does present points of contention regarding its efficacy and implications. Critics may argue that while the bill promotes personal responsibility, it does not address the underlying mental health issues that could lead to the need for such restrictions either for individuals or for broader public safety measures. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the potential stigmatization of those who choose to enter into the database, as well as issues surrounding privacy and data security. The implementation process will need to address access and management of the database to avoid any negative repercussions on individuals seeking help.