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Senate makes ‘straw’ gun purchases a felony

By: Associated Press//February 20, 2018//

Senate makes ‘straw’ gun purchases a felony

By: Associated Press//February 20, 2018//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate has voted unanimously to pass a bill strengthening the penalties for legally buying a firearm with the intent to provide the weapon to someone barred from having a gun.

The Senate passed the bill targeting the practice known as “straw” purchases on Tuesday. It now goes to the Assembly.

Under current law it’s a misdemeanor, punishable by up to nine months in jail, for someone to knowingly give a firearm to someone prohibited from possessing one. The bill makes it a felony, punishable by up to six years in prison.

The bill is supported by law enforcement agencies and Milwaukee officials who say it will help combat the problem in Wisconsin’s largest city.

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