Dane County Board Passes Resolution Asking Legislature for Common Sense Gun Laws

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Dane County Board adopted a resolution asking lawmakers to act to prevent gun violence. 

Municipal governments aren’t allowed to make their own rules on guns, so the board is asking legislators to do so immediately. They’re pushing for what are typically called common sense reforms:  expanded background checks, requiring locked gun storage, and red flag laws.

Guns are the number one cause of death for American children. 

“I don’t know how many dead kids we need for Republicans in this building to start caring about that, and prioritizing their lives and their safety over their own political careers,” said State Senator Kelda Roys at a press conference Thursday. “You know, other states have done this. And some with Republican support. This is not rocket science. This is basic humanity.” 

The Dane County Board passed the resolution Thursday night, with 30 aye votes, one no, and five abstentions or absences. 

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence gives Wisconsin a C for its gun safety laws. That grade would improve with the “common sense” measures. 

Wisconsin has not passed any significant gun legislation in years. Democrats have tried unsuccessfully to introduce at least 30 gun-safety measures since 2019.

Every year, more than 700 people die and more than 1,600 are hurt due to gun violence in Wisconsin.