Wisconsin State Assembly votes 68-27 for concealed carry
MADISON - The Wisconsin State Assembly voted 68-27 just before 6 p.m. Tuesday to end the state’s 140-year-old ban on concealed weapons and to let law-abiding citizens carry them with proper state permits and training.
The debate lasted almost three hours. The measure is the same as the one passed by the State Senate last week, which Gov. Scott Walker promised to sign. It would take effect either Oct. 1 or Nov. 1, depending opon when the law is officially published.
Republican Joel Kleefisch of Oconomowoc called this a “great day for the Second Amendment.” Several of his GOP colleagues said the concealed carry measure brings meaning to the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
But Wausau Democrat Donna Seidel said most Wisconsinites are not clamoring for concealed carry, but they are begging lawmakers to work on creating jobs and more funding for schools.
Democrats tried and failed to pass several amendments that would have expanded the number of places where weapons would be banned without signs having to be posted to include taverns and hospitals.
Airports, police stations and courthouses will be automatic no-carry zones, but other governments and businesses could put up signs saying guns are not welcome.
Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) tried and failed to require more stringent training for gun-holders and to let police determine if someone is telling the truth when saying they have active concealed weapons permits.
Two protestors were removed from the Assembly chamber, reportedly for holding up the U.S. Constitution and screaming they had a First Amendment right to speak. The State Assembly has a ban on posting signs in the gallery.
Also, wispolitics.com said one person was arrested for battery at the Capitol today and two others were arrested for disorderly conduct.