Republicans argue to eliminate 48-hour handgun waiting period

MADISON (AP) — The authors of a Republican bill that would eliminate Wisconsin's 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases are trying to persuade the state Senate's judiciary committee to approve the measure.

Sen. Van Wanggaard and Rep. Mary Czaja told the committee Wednesday that background checks can be completed in an hour and someone who can legally own a handgun shouldn't have to wait to get it. They also said the waiting period endangers women who need a gun immediately to protect themselves from domestic abusers.

Sen. Fred Risser, a Democratic committee member from Madison, seemed stunned. He pointed out someone who gets in a fight could rush to a gun store, get a handgun and kill his or her enemy. He asked if that's how the Republicans wanted to run society.