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State Senate Passes Bill To Remove 48-Hour Waiting Period For Handgun Purchases

Legislation Next Heads To State Assembly

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State Senate chamber
Entrance to the state Senate chamber at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Jimmy Emerson, DVM (CC-BY-NC-ND)

The state of Wisconsin would end its 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases under a measure that cleared the state Senate on Tuesday.

The bill would let a gun dealer transfer ownership of a handgun to a buyer as soon as the customer clears a state Department of Justice background check.

State Sen. Van Wanggaard. R-Racine, is a bill sponsor. He said a waiting period amounts to a “time tax,” and there’s no reason that he should have to make two trips to the gun store to buy a handgun.

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“When I go purchase a firearm, it’s really inconvenient and it’s an expense to me and it takes time out of my day. My time is very valuable,” he said.

The legislation’s opponents say the waiting period has its uses. State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, argued against the change, saying the waiting period in current law gives someone time to cool off if they’re buying a gun when they’re angry.

“The advantage to society of cooling off is far more important than correcting the inconvenience of someone who wants to pick up a pistol,” Risser said.

The plan passed on a voice vote and heads next to the state Assembly. Gov. Scott Walker has indicated that he will sign it.