Assembly Bill 325 aims to enhance regulations surrounding the transfer of firearms in Wisconsin. The bill prohibits any person from transferring a firearm, including its frame or receiver, unless the transfer is conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer and includes a background check of the prospective transferee. Exceptions to this prohibition include transfers to firearms dealers, law enforcement, or armed services agencies, as well as transfers of antique firearms or those made as gifts, bequests, or inheritances to family members. Violators of this prohibition would face misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines ranging from $500 to $10,000, potential imprisonment for up to nine months, and a two-year prohibition on firearm possession.
The bill also includes several amendments and new provisions to existing laws. Notably, it renames the title of Section 175.35 from "Purchase of handguns" to "Transfer of firearms" and introduces new definitions and requirements for firearm transfers. It establishes that a firearms dealer must provide a written receipt for any transfer conducted through them and outlines the necessary procedures for background checks and record searches. Additionally, the bill amends various sections to ensure clarity and compliance with the new regulations, reinforcing the importance of background checks in the transfer process.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: 175.35(title), 175.35, 175.35(1)(at), 175.35(1)(b), 175.35(2g)(a), 175.35(2g)(b)1, 175.35(2g)(b)2, 175.35(2k)(ar)2