Assembly Bill 427 aims to enhance firearm regulations on college and university campuses in Wisconsin. The bill repeals the existing provision that allows individuals to be charged with trespassing for carrying a firearm into a posted building on campus, and instead establishes a new prohibition against possessing a firearm in any publicly or privately owned building on campus or on the grounds of a university or college. Violators of this prohibition would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. However, exceptions are made for law enforcement officers, military personnel in the line of duty, individuals leasing non-dormitory residential or business space, participants in approved programs, and those possessing unloaded and encased firearms.

In addition to creating the new statute 941.236, the bill amends several existing statutes to incorporate this prohibition and clarify the circumstances under which firearms may be carried. Notably, it modifies the definitions and penalties associated with firearm possession in various contexts, including the removal of certain exemptions for individuals with concealed carry licenses. The bill also updates the language regarding notifications for firearm restrictions in buildings owned or controlled by the state or local governments, ensuring that the new regulations are clearly communicated and enforced.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 175.60(2g)(a), 175.60, 175.60(5)(a)6, 938.34(14q), 938.34, 938.78(3), 938.78, 939.632(1)(e)3, 939.632, 941.235(1), 941.235, 943.13(1m)(c)4, 943.13, 943.13(1m)(c)5, 943.13(2)(bm)2.am, 968.255(1)(a)2, 968.255, 973.137(1), 973.137