Number
160191
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation increasing penalties for crimes committed with firearms.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of state legislation increasing penalties for crimes committed with firearms. These would include, but not be limited to, homicide, shootings, sexual assaults, armed robberies, aggravated assaults and felons in possession of firearms.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee and adjoining suburbs in Milwaukee County and surrounding counties are experiencing a rash of violent crimes by perpetrators using firearms to threaten, wound or kill their victims; and
Whereas, These crimes include homicides, shootings, sexual assaults, aggravated assaults and armed robberies, including so-called carjackings; and
Whereas, On Saturday, April 23, 2016, at about 6:30 p.m., near S. Quincy Ave. and E. Russell Ave., a 47-year-old woman was shot from behind and seriously wounded during an attempted armed-robbery of her automobile, commonly known as a "carjacking," by a 26-year-old adult male and a 16-year-old juvenile male; and
Whereas, Passage of state law providing enhanced sentences for violent crimes committed with firearms may be a crime deterrent and will allow judges to sentence criminals to longer prison terms, thereby enhancing community safety; and
Whereas, Section 66.0409, Wis. Stats., presently limits the ability of the City of Milwaukee to address unique conditions of firearm violence through ordinances that respond to the criminal possession and use of firearms; and
Whereas, The current penalties for juveniles personally committing crimes with firearms, or being party to such crimes, are not a sufficient deterrent to such criminal conduct by juveniles, as evidenced by the increasing frequency and brazenness of serious crimes against persons and property committed by juveniles in the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and Milwaukee's surrounding counties, including Racine, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee; and
Whereas, Additional legal tools to address the acquisition and use of firearms by felons and other persons prohibited from using or possessing firearms will contribute to a safer, healthier and more secure community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division is directed to seek introduction and passage of state legislation increasing penalties for crimes committed with firearms; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division is further directed to seek introduction and passage of state legislation amending or modifying the provisions of s. 66.0409, Wis. Stats., to authorize a municipality to regulate the sale, possession or use of firearms by persons prohibited from possession and use of firearms under state or federal law in a manner more stringent than provided in state law; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk is directed to provide copies of this resolution to the Governor and Attorney General of Wisconsin and to all members of the State Legislature who represent constituents in the Milwaukee region.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 164746-2
John Ledvina:aw
7/15/2016