Governor Tony Evers and other Democratic lawmakers introduced new universal background check legislation for gun sales in Wisconsin.
"This is an issue that should transcend political parties... Today I am calling on the Republicans and the Democrats in the legislature to pass a bill requiring universal background checks" Gov. Evers said.
The legislation (LRB-3949) is co-authored by Representative Melissa Sargent, R-Madison and Senator Latonya Johnson, D- Milwaukee. Current law requires licensed gun dealers to do background checks on potential buyers. However, private sales provided a loop hole. If LRB-3949 passes, background checks would be required for all sales.
Ron Martin, Organizer of the Bob and Rocco Gun Shows in Wisconsin says the new legislation would not change much for him, but he is worried about enforcing the potential law.
"There's neighbors that say hey I really like that gun you've got if you ever want to sell it can I get it? How are they going to enforce that sale?" he said.
Lawmakers could take up the legislation as early as next week.
