By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
In their first week back in session, Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation which would allow permitless “constitutional” carry in the Badger State, which the state’s anti-gunners immediately opposed the idea.
Assembly Bill 609 would, according to an analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau, eliminate the general prohibition against being armed without a concealed carry permit. If passed, the measure retains the option of getting a carry permit so Wisconsinites would have the ability to carry concealed in other sates which recognize Wisconsin’s permit.
However, according to Wisconsin Public Radio, even if the legislation passes, it would face likely by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, because he has vetoed similar bills before.
The 20-page bill is getting support from the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, National Rifle Association, Wisconsin Firearms Owners Association and gun rights activists. A hearing was held last week before the Assembly Committee on State Affairs. If the bill were to pass, and be signed into law, Wisconsin would become the 30th state to adopt “constitutional” carry.
WPR quoted state Rep. Chanz Green, a Grandview Republican, who contended that citizens should not be required to obtain a government permission slip in order to exercise the right to bear arms.
“Rights do not require permit slips from the government,” Green said.
Gun prohibitionists from Moms Demand Action argued—as they have done in other states, ignoring the difference between a right and a privilege—contended that people need to get license to drive a car and show they know now to operate a motor vehicle.
WPR also said the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Association of Social Workers oppose the legislation.
Democrat Rep. Angela Stroud, identified by WPR as a sociologist, reportedly contended that keeping the current licensing system is a tool to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
Also under consideration, WPR reported, is a proposed amendment to the State Constitution which would “expand how the state defines the purpose of bearing arms.” The amendment, known as Assembly Joint Resolution 112, would redefine the right to bear arms as “inalienable,” and states, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms is a fundamental individual right, and any restriction on that right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.”
