Lawmakers want to make sure people caught with stolen guns don’t get off with a slap on the wrists.
State Representative Ann Hraychuck (ray-chuck) says current state law can prevent someone caught with a stolen gun from facing felony charges, even though stealing a gun is a felony. She says the law treats guns like any other stolen property, which draws the line for a felony at $2,500 in value. Possession of a stolen gun under that price limit is currently only a misdemeanor, which Hraychuck says described most guns that are reported missing.
Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake) is co-sponsoring legislation that would allow prosecutors to charge someone with a felony, if officials believe they knowingly owned a stolen gun.
During a Capitol hearing on the bill Thursday, state Representative Dan LeMahieu (R-Cascade) argued the measure is another tool for law enforcement to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
The measure is being considered by an Assembly committee.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:03)
