Senate action brings concealed carry a step closer in Wisconsin. The bill passed 25-8 Tuesday. Senator Jim Holperin, one of the 5 Democrats who voted for the measure, dismissed concerns during debate over one of 18 amendments offered by Democrats. “Will this bill make this state any safer? Probably not. Will it make this state any more dangerous? Probably not.” Holperin argued that small business owners would not hesitate to post their premises if they don’t want concealed weapons inside, based on the experience in the 48 other states which allow some form of concealed carry. “There’s no small businesses that get worked up about the concealed carry law, because it doesn’t make any difference.”
Janesville Democrat Tim Cullen reacted with sarcasm, to the argument that most other states allow concealed carry. “If the philosophical argument is we have to do it because 48 other states do it, then I would think you would have an amendment here which addresses another issue,” said Cullen, who made the tongue in cheek suggestion to ban ‘cheeseheads’. Amendments banning concealed carry in the Capitol, domestic violence shelters, child care centers and churches were all rejected, although all those locations may post their premises to ban concealed weapons. Wausau Republican Pam Galloway was lead author on concealed carry legislation. “I think it’s hypocritical for us to carve out the state Capitol. Other states to allow licensees to carry into the state Capitol, such as the state of Texas,” said Galloway. “I don’t care what Texas does,” said Waunakee Democrat Jon Erpenbach. “You know Massachusetts has universal health care. You don’t see us doing that. I don’t care what other states do, I care what we do in Wisconsin.”
West Bend Republican Glenn Grothman noted neighboring Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota allow concealed carry. “If I go to Minnesota, I feel safe in a store, I feel safe in a park, I feel safe on a sidewalk,” said Grothman. “I do not believe the average American citizen, much less the average Wisconsinite, cannot control themselves.”
The bill allows concealed weapons everywhere except police stations, jails, courthouses and government buildings which screen for weapons. The Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee are also exempted, although State Fair Park, county fairgrounds and sports venues are not. The bill requires that those who wish to carry a concealed handgun must apply for a permit and recieve training. “The training requirement is pretty much a joke,” said Jerri Bonavia with WAVE, the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort. “You can take online training where the most you’ll need to know how to do is click the ‘next’ button.”