Take Our Poll: Do We Need 48-Hour Waiting Period to Buy a Gun?

State Sen. Van Wanggaard is proposing the elimination of a required 48-hour waiting period to lawfully purchase a handgun.

Wanggaard, R-Racine, told The Journal Times he thinks the waiting period is an unfair inconvenience for law-abiding citizens who can pass a background check that is most often returned quickly via digital records.

“An individual that is able to lawfully possess a firearm, they’re restricted — why?” he is quoted as saying “It doesn’t make any sense.”

Representatives from mental health and domestic violence awareness and prevention groups think otherwise, saying those 48-hours could save someone’s life either by their own hand or by an abuser.

The Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety is holding a public hearing on the issue at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Madison.