Waukesha Times

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald of Wisconsin's 5th District has successfully shepherded a groundbreaking piece of legislation through the House Judiciary Committee. H.R. 3269, known as the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, marks a significant milestone as it seeks to redefine what qualifies as a firearm.

The bill aims to amend the Gun Control Act of 1968 by excluding certain less-than-lethal projectile devices, such as tasers, from the definition of a firearm. Representative Fitzgerald highlighted the importance of this legislation in enhancing safety for both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. In his words, "Ensuring the safety of officers and the communities they serve is paramount... a cohesive federal approach to regulating these technologies while making them accessible in the interest of public safety."

The Congressman underscored the role of advanced less-than-lethal technologies, like tasers, in transforming law enforcement practices and reducing the use of deadly force. He emphasized the need to update regulations that currently classify these technologies as firearms, hindering their effective deployment by law enforcement agencies.

As Representative Fitzgerald pointed out, "the less-than-lethal technologies of today, like tasers, will serve as a building block for future products that will be used by law enforcement agencies across the U.S." Having personally tested one of these devices, he spoke of the importance of legislation like H.R. 3269 in fostering innovation in law enforcement tools and practices.

The passage of this bipartisan legislation represents a significant step towards modernizing firearm regulations and promoting the use of advanced less-than-lethal technologies in the interest of public safety.