RACINE, Wis. (AP) — A Racine lawmaker wants to repeal Wisconsin's 48-hour waiting period to buy handguns.

Republican state Sen. Van Wanggaard says the original intent of the waiting period was to give gun dealers enough time to complete a background check. Now that information is digitized and background checks can be done nearly instantly, Wanggaard says a 48-hour waiting period amounts to a “time tax.”

Handgun purchasers would still have to pass a background check to prove they can legally have a gun.

Supporters of the waiting period say it gives people in emotional distress a needed cooling-off period.

The Journal Times reports the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety has scheduled a public hearing on the bill Thursday.

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Information from: The Journal Times, http://www.journaltimes.com