By John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin needs tougher laws to keep guns away from felons, Milwaukee police Chief Edward Flynn said Wednesday.

Among the changes Flynn called for was to make straw buying a state felony, tougher penalties for carrying a concealed weapon, making it a crime not to report a stolen gun, requiring felons to stay away from gun stores and minimum sentences for certain gun offenses.

Appearing before the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee, Flynn said his agenda was intended to target illegal guns without arousing the concern of gun rights advocates.

District Attorney John Chisholm agreed with all the suggestions, except for mandatory minimum sentences. Chisholm said there currently is enough exposure for criminals, especially with the option of taking cases into federal court.

Adam Allan, owner Badger Guns, which has been under fire by Flynn and Chisholm for its high number of crime-gun sales, said he supports the changes.

But he added he thinks Badger is being unfairly targeted by Flynn, who ordered an undercover mission after two officers were shot in the head in June with a gun bought at Badger by a straw buyer.

Allan also said he would be willing to meet with Chisholm, Flynn and others to discuss sale practices at his store. Allan insisted he has never been invited to meet with the officials. However, Mayor Tom Barrett said Allan didn’t show last year when he was invited to a meeting with top leaders.