Number
030683
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. D'AMATO
Title
Substitute resolution opposing 2003 Assembly Bill 444 and Senate Bill 214 of the Wisconsin Legislature relating to carrying of concealed weapons.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the Common Council's opposition to 2003 Assembly Bill 444 and Senate Bill 214 of the Wisconsin Legislature relating to carrying of concealed weapons.
Body
Whereas, State Senator David Zien of Eau Claire and Representative Scott Gunderson of Waterford have introduced legislation in the Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 214 and Assembly Bill 444, which would allow individuals in Wisconsin to carry concealed weapons defined as handguns, stun guns, tear gas guns, knives other than switchblades, and billy clubs anywhere in the state, except for those limited and particular spaces in the bills; and
Whereas, There is no credible evidence that expanding the availability of concealed weapons would lead to an improvement in public safety and the reduction of crime; and
Whereas, Allowing the carrying of concealed weapons will hinder the ability of law enforcement officers to effectively protect themselves and the people they serve; and
Whereas, Legislation purporting to offer greater protection to the public by putting concealed weapons in the hands of people provides a false hope; and
Whereas, Creating conditions which increase the likelihood of the use of dangerous weapons by greater numbers of people will result in more violence and more deaths; and
Whereas, The State of Wisconsin is relatively safe compared to the states that have passed "shall issue" concealed weapons laws, which generally have higher violent crime rates, homicide rates, rape rates and firearm death rates; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that "shall issue" concealed weapons laws are more likely to increase crime than decrease crime and that, in particular, evidence links more gun carrying with more deaths; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council expresses its opposition to Wisconsin 2003 Assembly Bill 444 and Senate Bill 214 or any other similar measure that would expand the legalization of carrying concealed weapons in the state, and urges the Wisconsin Legislature not to enact the proposed legislation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to Governor James Doyle and the City's delegation to the Wisconsin Legislature, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the State Senate and Assembly.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB03397-2
TWM/cac
9/8/2003
Clerical error corrected 9/25/03. mbh