summary
Introduced
07/08/2025
07/08/2025
In Committee
07/08/2025
07/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Current law provides that a federally licensed firearms dealer may not transfer a handgun after a sale until the dealer has performed a background check on the prospective transferee to determine if he or she is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. This bill generally prohibits any person from transferring any firearm, including the frame or receiver of a firearm, unless the transfer occurs through a federally licensed firearms dealer and involves a background check of the prospective transferee. Under the bill, the following are excepted from that prohibition: a transfer to a firearms dealer or to a law enforcement or armed services agency; a transfer of a firearm classified as antique; or a transfer that is by gift, bequest, or inheritance to a family member. A person who is convicted of violating the prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than $500 nor more than $10,000, may be imprisoned for not more than nine months, and may not possess a firearm for a period of two years. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill expands Wisconsin's existing firearm transfer regulations by requiring nearly all firearm transfers to occur through a licensed firearms dealer with a background check, with only a few specific exceptions. The bill broadens the scope from just handguns to all firearms, including firearm frames and receivers, and mandates that most transfers must be processed through a licensed firearms dealer who will conduct a background check. Exceptions to this requirement include transfers to law enforcement or military agencies, transfers of antique firearms, and transfers by gift, bequest, or inheritance to immediate family members. Individuals who intentionally violate these transfer requirements can be charged with a misdemeanor, face fines between $500 and $10,000, potentially be imprisoned for up to nine months, and be prohibited from possessing a firearm for two years. The legislation also updates various related statutes to reflect these changes, such as modifying definitions, adjusting fee structures for background checks, and ensuring consistency across different sections of Wisconsin law. By requiring background checks for most firearm transfers, the bill aims to enhance public safety by making it more difficult for prohibited individuals to obtain firearms through private sales.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (51)
Clint Anderson (D)*,
Deb Andraca (D)*,
Margaret Arney (D)*,
Mike Bare (D)*,
Jill Billings (D)*,
Brienne Brown (D)*,
Ryan Clancy (D)*,
Angelina Cruz (D)*,
Karen DeSanto (D)*,
Ben DeSmidt (D)*,
Steve Doyle (D)*,
Jodene Emerson (D)*,
Joan Fitzgerald (D)*,
Russell Goodwin (D)*,
Kalan Haywood (D)*,
Francesca Hong (D)*,
Andrew Hysell (D)*,
Alex Joers (D)*,
Tara Johnson (D)*,
Renuka Mayadev (D)*,
Vincent Miresse (D)*,
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D)*,
Greta Neubauer (D)*,
Lori Palmeri (D)*,
Pricilla Prado (D)*,
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D)*,
Ann Roe (D)*,
Joe Sheehan (D)*,
Christine Sinicki (D)*,
Lee Snodgrass (D)*,
Ryan Spaude (D)*,
Angela Stroud (D)*,
Shelia Stubbs (D)*,
Lisa Subeck (D)*,
Sequanna Taylor (D)*,
Angelito Tenorio (D)*,
Randy Udell (D)*,
Robyn Vining (D)*,
Tim Carpenter (D),
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D),
Dora Drake (D),
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D),
Dianne Hesselbein (D),
LaTonya Johnson (D),
Sarah Keyeski (D),
Chris Larson (D),
Brad Pfaff (D),
Melissa Ratcliff (D),
Kelda Roys (D),
Jeff Smith (D),
Mark Spreitzer (D),
Last Action
Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor (on 10/28/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab325 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB325.pdf |
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