Representative Sue Conley of Janesville introduces legislation targeting decreasing firearm thefts. This bill is a part of the Safe Storage for Gun Safety package, led by Rep. Lisa
Subeck (D-Madison).
“I am pleased to release this legislation alongside my colleagues, Rep. Subeck, Rep. Andraca, and Sen. Roys,” Rep. Conley stated. “Firearms are often stolen from vehicles that have been unlocked and unattended. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, over 1000 guns were stolen from motor vehicles in 2020,” Rep. Conley said. Stolen firearms are often subsequently used in multiple crimes or sold on the black market. In recent years, there have been several incidents of guns originally stolen in Wisconsin being traced across state lines to Chicago.
LRB-4334 aims to deter firearm negligence by adding a Class A misdemeanor if an individual leaves a firearm in their unattended and unlocked vehicle. Rep. Conley added, “It is important that stolen weapons are reported to law enforcement and that self-reporting is encouraged. Under this bill, if an individual self-reports a gun theft from an unlocked vehicle, they cannot be arrested or prosecuted.” In 2020, 31 firearms were stolen from vehicles in Janesville. Of those incidents, only two were from locked vehicles.
“To make our communities safer, the Safe Storage for Gun Safety package will prevent gun violence and accidental deaths by keeping firearms safely out of the hands of those who should not have them. As legislators, we have a responsibility to enact common sense safety reforms to prevent gun violence in our state,” Rep. Conley added.
