Rep. Anderson Introduces Legislation to Create a Statewide Fund for Victims of Gun Violence
"The unfortunate reality is that victims of gun violence have no legal recourse."
Fitchburg – In the aftermath of the recent mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas that left at least 31 people dead and more than 50 wounded, Representative Jimmy Anderson along with Senator Lena Taylor is introducing legislation to create a fund within the Department of Justice to aid victims with costs related to an incidence of gun violence. It will be funded by imposing a tax on firearm manufacturers of 0.5 percent of the manufacturer’s list price for each firearm sold in the state.
Rep. Anderson released the following statement regarding the bill:
“The tragic shootings this weekend is a harsh reminder that our government is not only failing to protect its citizens, it is failing the victims in the aftermath of these horrific events. We cannot sit idly by while innocent people suffer.
“The unfortunate reality is that victims of gun violence have no legal recourse. In 2005, the NRA pushed Congress to make gun manufacturers free of liability for gun deaths, an unprecedented protection not provided to any other industry in America. As a result, victims of gun violence are unable to seek damages from gun manufacturers. This places incredible financial burdens on victims and their families, many of whom face exorbitant medical bills and other unforeseen expenses.
“Crime victim funds exist in all fifty states to help families get their lives back on track after tragedies, and there is no excuse to exclude victims of gun violence. It makes me sick to see gun manufacturers getting off scot-free as gun violence continues to plague families across the country. We must hold these companies responsible for the needless violence their industry produces. These victims deserve better.”
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.
More about the Gun Violence
- Senator Agard Introduces Firearm Safety Bills with Legislative Democratic Colleagues - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - Oct 26th, 2023
- AG Kaul to U.S. Attorney General Garland: Firearm Regulations Must Include Ghost Guns - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Aug 20th, 2021
- Op Ed: Legal Firearms Used in Many Mass Shootings - O. Ricardo Pimentel - May 26th, 2021
- Bipartisan legislation a positive step forward for gun reform - Mayor Cavalier Johnson - May 17th, 2021
- Bipartisan Bill Bans Guns For Those Convicted of Domestic Violence - Erik Gunn - May 14th, 2021
- Club Midtown isn’t a thing - Mayor Cavalier Johnson - May 5th, 2021
- County Executive David Crowley Statement on Recent Acts of Gun Violence - County Executive David Crowley - May 4th, 2021
- Republicans Continue to Show their True Colors with Upcoming Budget Plans: The Time for Action is Now - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - May 3rd, 2021
- Continued gun violence underscores the need for change - Mayor Cavalier Johnson - May 3rd, 2021
- Senator Agard: Statement on Shooting Tragedy at the Oneida Casino Complex - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - May 2nd, 2021
Read more about Gun Violence here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Rep. Jimmy Anderson
Rep. Anderson Addresses Republican Inaction on Gun Reform
Nov 8th, 2019 by State Rep. Jimmy Anderson"It is shameful that our state’s Republican lawmakers have once again disregarded our Governor’s attempt to address gun violence in our state."
Rep. Anderson in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Sep 19th, 2019 by State Rep. Jimmy Anderson"We are long overdue for common-sense measures like Extreme Risk Protection Orders."
