Ald. Stamper sponsors legislation aimed at improving gun safety

Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II has introduced legislation that aims to improve gun safety. File #220175 – an ordinance relating to firearms determined to have been used in the commission of a crime – requires a firearm owner to properly store and supervise the whereabouts of any firearm owned at all times to ensure the firearm is not acquired by any person and used in the commission of a crime. It also requires the firearm owner to report the theft or misplacement of any firearm to the police within 24 hours of discovery. The ordinance imposes a forfeiture on the firearm owner of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 if the firearm, which has not been reported as stolen, is determined by the courts to have been used in the commission of a either a felony or misdemeanor.

“Those who decide to possess a firearm have an enormous responsibility to keep themselves and others safe,” said Alderman Stamper. “Tragic incidents like the one that occurred early today near 19^th and Juneau show just how important it is to keep your firearm in a safe and secure place.”

Alderman Stamper continued, “Should someone’s firearm go missing it is critical that it be reported as soon as possible. That is the core problem we’re trying to solve with this ordinance.”

File #220175 has been assigned to the Common Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.