Concealed carry in Wisconsin

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Wisconsin is one of two states in the country that does not allow people to carry a concealed weapon, but that could soon change.

Two concealed carry bills are up for debate in the legislature.

One would create a permitting process, while the other would have few restrictions.

“Constitutional carry is more broad, you don’t need a permit, you can pretty much do whatever you want with certain limitations. The other version that’s out there is the bill that says you need to go through a background check, apply through the Department of Justice and get an actual permit to carry,”  said Representative Mark Radcliffe, (D).

Those opposing both pieces of legislation are concerned because neither one requires a safety class.

Basic hunter’s safety in Wisconsin includes a minimum of 10 hours of training.

Many feel it’s only logical that someone carrying a concealed weapon would need to learn how to properly use it.

Democratic Representative Donna Seidel said, “We want to make sure that if concealed weapons are allowed in Wisconsin that the people that will be carrying will be responsible. That they will be adequately trained, and that our communities will not be at risk.”

One the other side of the spectrum, some feel requiring a permit is too restrictive.

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“I stand opposed to a license or a permit for one to exercise what the US Supreme Court has called a fundamental right. What other fundamental right requires you to have a license or permit before you can exercise that right? I can’t find one,” said Hubert Hoffman, vice president of Wisconsin Carry Inc.

Despite strong opinions for and against the two pieces of legislation, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are confident one of the bills will pass.

Two hearings are scheduled in Wausau and Madison Thursday.

Lawmakers will hear arguments for and against both bills.

The hearings are expected to help legislators decide which bill to move forward and which one the set aside.