Wisconsin Makes Straw Purchases a Felony

Some biased reporting from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, which reported how the state is pushing to make so-called straw purchases a felony. The paper already notes that this is, in fact, a felony already under federal law but only a misdemeanor under state law. The problem with this article is that it implies that this is a much more common occurrence, noting:

 ”The state would train its sights on the potentially deadly crime of straw purchasing – in which one person buys a firearm on behalf of a felon who can’t legally do so, under a bill approved Thursday by the Assembly.”

The paper further quotes Rep. Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake), the bill’s lead sponsor and a former sheriff, as saying, “Again and again, these felons are able to illegaly obtain a firemarm.” Is that statement even true? The mainstream reports that straw purchases are a major problem, but the evidence still shows otherwise. However, makign straw purchases a felony in Wisconsin is a good idea.