Legislature Discussing “Concealed Carry” Options

Over the next few months, the State Legislature is likely to put the finishing touches on a long-standing discussion in Wisconsin – whether or not law-abiding individuals should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm. 

A concealed carry proposal was passed by the legislature several years ago and vetoed by ex-Governor Jim Doyle, and then fell one vote short of a veto override in the State Assembly.  Wisconsin is one of only two states that do not allow any sort of concealed carry rights.

Three concealed carry proposals have been rolled out for consideration thus far.  One is similar to the bill that was vetoed several years ago, containing a licensing system for those wishing to carry.  The two others are described by their supporters as “Constitutional Carry” and do not contain a licensing or regulatory framework.  Following are brief descriptions of each bill.

Assembly Bill 126/Senate Bill 90 – “Licensed Carry”

1. Creates a licensing system whereby individuals would be authorized to carry concealed weapons.
2. Licensees would be allowed to enter public buildings with a concealed firearm with the exception of police stations, sheriff’s offices, state patrol stations, prisons, jails, federal courthouses, and airports beyond security checkpoints. 
3. Governmental entities could still prohibit licensees from entering public buildings if they post a sign near the entrance to the building.
4. The government would not have the authority to prohibit the carrying of weapons or firearms on public property outside of buildings.
5. Licensees would be allowed to carry concealed firearms on boats, ATV’s and non-commercial aircraft and the overall ban on transporting loaded handguns would be lifted.
6. An individual could prohibit a licensee from carrying a concealed weapon in their home or place of business.

Senate Bill 93 – “Constitutional Carry”

SB 93, instead of creating an exemption to Wisconsin’s ban on carrying a concealed weapon, simply repeals it and essentially makes the Second Amendment our guide on this issue.  Generally speaking, it allows a person to go armed with a concealed weapon anywhere that such action is not otherwise prohibited while adopting many of the same exceptions as Licensed Carry.

LRB 2054 – “Constitutional Carry with Training”

A third concealed carry bill, yet to be introduced, is more of a Constitutional Carry bill with some additional policy aspects, including:

1. Requiring a federal licensed firearms dealer to perform a background check on any person buying a handgun.
2. Requiring a minimum two-hour training class performed by a certified private instructor.
3. Issuance of a credit card-sized certificate upon completion of the class as proof that the person can legally carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin.
4. Allowing for reciprocity with other states, such that any person with an out-of-state permit or certificate would be considered legal to carry in Wisconsin if they have completed a minimum of a two hour certified training.

All three proposals, I believe, are reasonable.  However, after reviewing the details of each, I have decided to support a Constitutional Carry bill for a number of reasons.  Simply stated, Constitutional Carry seems to be the policy that most corresponds with the Second Amendment rights granted to us in the U.S. Constitution.  Having sworn an oath to protect and uphold our Constitution, that is my first priority in considering concealed carry legislation.

To contact me with any questions or comments or to sign up for my regular e-updates, please send an e-mail to Rep.Knodl@legis.wi.gov or call me at (608) 266-3796.