New legislation would allow concealed carry without a permit.

MADISON, WI – Despite concerns raised by school advocates, health professionals and law enforcement officials, legislation that would remove training requirements and give dangerous individuals greater access to firearms passed in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.

In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement:

“At a time when wages remain stagnant and Wisconsin’s economy continues to fall behind the rest of the nation, it is unfortunate that Republicans continue to side with gun lobbyists over working families. Allowing anyone to carry a loaded, concealed firearm in public without any safety training or a simple background check is completely irresponsible.”

“The overwhelming majority of Wisconsin residents agree that responsible individuals who want to carry a concealed weapon should go through a background check and obtain a permit. Too many men, women and children have already died as a result of gun violence. Rather than putting more guns in the hands of dangerous individuals, we should protect families and communities by closing the gun show loophole, strengthening background checks and keeping guns off school property.”

Senate Bill 169 (SB 169) would eliminate current training requirements for individuals to carry concealed weapons, lower the concealed carry age from 21 to 18 years old and allow some individuals to carry concealed handguns on school grounds.