Dane County Supervisors Demand Commonsense Gun Reform
March 06, 2025
Dane County Board Office, (608) 266-5758
County Board
Dane County Board members, legislators, and community stakeholders called for comprehensive gun reform legislation. The Board will vote tonight on 2024 RES-308, which urges state legislators to pass common-sense gun reforms, including Red Flag Emergency Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation, universal background checks, and enhanced gun safety measures. State law currently prohibits local governments from taking action. The Board will take action on 2024 RES-308 during the meeting tonight at 7 p.m.
“Dane County has experienced numerous gun-related incidents over recent years that deeply impacted our community,” said Patrick Miles, Dane County Board Chair. “If the majority party refuses to take these simple, life-saving steps, then it’s time for them to step aside and allow local leaders to protect their communities. We must implement proven measures that reduce gun violence and save lives.”
“No other country allows the level of gun violence we allow in our communities,” said Senator Kelda Roys. Continuing to do nothing while people keep dying is a policy choice.”
"Gun violence is preventable, and addressing its intersection with domestic violence is critical. We must support sensible gun reforms that keep firearms out of the hands of abusers and protect the lives of survivors," said Shannon Barry, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.
"We have a moral obligation to enact reforms that prioritize our communities over the gun lobby. The way we honor gun violence survivors is with action — putting courage over politics and people over guns," said Heather Haas, Moms Demand Action Volunteer.
As the leading cause of death for children, teens, and young adults in America — there’s nothing more urgent or important than addressing this crisis,” said Stella Osiedacz, Students Demand Action Volunteer. “We deserve state and local lawmakers who will prioritize our safety, and lawmakers have a responsibility to pass these policies.”
"Gun violence is a daily reality that devastates families and communities,” said Anthony Cooper, CEO & Founder of Focused Interruption. “The urgent need for gun reform is about saving lives, preventing trauma, and creating safer spaces for future generations. We must prioritize policies that keep firearms out of the wrong hands while addressing the root causes of violence — economic instability, limited opportunities, intergenerational trauma, inadequate mental health access, community disinvestment, and the normalization of violence. It’s time for policymakers, communities, and leaders to stand together in the fight for a future free from the cycle of gun violence."