Concealed Carry Legislation Introduced
Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states that do not allow citizens to carry concealed weapons. If lawmakers in Wisconsin get their way, they will join the other states in passing legislation allowing for concealed guns and other weapons by their citizens. This week two bills were introduced and there’s a good chance one of them will eventually be adopted.
Similar bills passed the Legislature in 2003 and 2005 by were both vetoed by the then-governor, Democrat Jim Doyle. However, with Republicans now in control of the Legislature and the governor’s offices, it’s believed this year such legislation has a better chance.
The bills were written by the same two lawmakers, Representative Jeff Mursau and Senator Pam Galloway. Both are markedly different, however.
The first would require citizens to register for a permit. Citizens over the age of 21 would undergo a background check and pay $65 for a five year permit. The state would “have” to issue the permit unless the applicant was legally barred (as a convicted felon). This same bills would allow businesses to prohibit guns on their property and cities could ban them in their buildings as well.
The other bill would require no permit and no training requirements. It would lift the current law that requires guns in vehicles to be unloaded and secured in a case.
You can probably guess which of the two is the most popular. The latter bill, with no permits, has many critics.
Both bills aren’t without problems though. Some lawmakers are concerned that the lack of training requirements in either bill is setting people up for problems down the road. Even hunters must take courses, they argue. Some also say the bills don’t go far enough in banning where such concealed weapons can be carried, pushing for bans in domestic violence shelters and other similar properties.
Both bills will be considered at hearings on May 12. There is a good chance that the state will see some version of concealed carry legislation pass this year, though it’s most likely to include slightly more regulation written in than the current proposed bills have.
Until any legislation passes, however, carrying a concealed weapon is a Class A misdemeanor under Wisconsin law. You could face nine months in jail and fines for such an offense. If you are charged with this or another weapons crime in Wisconsin, contact my offices today to see how I may be able to help.
