Advocates for gun owners’ rights are concerned about proposed restrictions on firearms sales.
Legislation being considered in Wisconsin would require a licensed gun dealer to approve the sale or transfer of a firearm, unless the gun is being given as a gift. Jordan Austin with the NRA says the bill would only make it harder for people to legitimately buy guns, since felons aren’t going to go to a gun dealer and will find other ways to obtain a firearm.
Austin says the bill would also greatly increase the cost of selling a gun to a friend or family member, since licensed gun dealers can charge whatever they want to sanction that exchange and run a background check.
Jeri Bonavia with the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort argues the bill is needed to close the so called “gun show loophole,” which allows the private sale of firearms without a background check. She says many criminals currently rely on that market to get a gun.
The bill received hearings this week in Assembly and Senate committees.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:03)