Contact: Joshua Miller Joshua.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 237-9147
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.”
