Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, to join the City as amicus in cases supporting reasonable and effective firearm regulation or which promote or impact Madison’s policies and programs to help combat firearms violence. No fiscal impacts are anticipated. No appropriation is required.
Title
Supporting the reasonable regulation of firearms to assist in helping to remedy public health concerns stemming from firearms violence in the City of Madison, and authorizing the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, to join the City as amicus in cases related to firearm regulation which promote or impact Madison’s policies and programs to help combat firearms violence.
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WHEREAS, the Madison Police Department reports that weapons-related violations increased by 37% from 2018 - 2021 in the local Madison community; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 45,222 firearm deaths occurred in 2020 in the United States, 13.7% more than traffic accident deaths that occurred in the United States that year; and
WHEREAS, as of 2021, the State of Wisconsin, according to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund’s independent research, has the 34th highest rate of gun violence in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison tied its own previous record high for homicides with 10 homicides in 2021; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund’s independent research that 74% of all homicides reported in Wisconsin in 2021 involved a firearm; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support fund’s findings that 70% of firearm deaths in Wisconsin in 2021 occurred from suicide, ten percent higher than the nationwide average of 60%; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in 2019, 56% of domestic partner homicides were committed with a firearm; and
WHEREAS, according to Everytown for Gun Safet...
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