Wisconsin Democrats Reintroduce 'Safe Summer' Gun Safety Legislation

In Wisconsin, Democratic lawmakers and gun safety advocates have introduced the "Safe Summer" bill package, which includes universal background checks, red flag laws, a reinstated 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, and a ban on ghost guns to address the rising gun violence crisis. Supporters emphasize that these measures are evidence-based and aimed at preventing gun deaths, which increased by 54% in Wisconsin from 2014 to 2023—significantly above the national average—with gun suicides also rising sharply. Attorney General Josh Kaul and several legislators highlighted recent local tragedies, such as the Abundant Life Christian School shooting, to underline the urgency of enacting these laws to enable intervention before harm occurs. In Michigan, gun violence prevention groups and law enforcement are also intensifying efforts during the summer months, promoting campaigns like Silence the Violence and advocating for new legislation to reduce gun-related incidents. These coordinated efforts across states reflect a broader push from communities and officials to curb gun violence through legislative action and public awareness campaigns. Both Wisconsin and Michigan stress the importance of community involvement and law enforcement cooperation to achieve safer summers and communities.