Senate Bill 607 proposes significant changes to the laws governing the carrying of concealed weapons in Wisconsin. The bill repeals various existing prohibitions related to carrying concealed weapons, including the requirement for individuals to possess a license issued by the Department of Justice or a law enforcement identification card. It maintains the option for individuals to obtain such licenses, which are necessary for carrying concealed weapons in states that require them and for compliance with federal laws regarding firearms in school zones. Additionally, the bill modifies the background check requirements for obtaining a concealed carry license, limiting them to federal law only, and eliminates the prohibition on loading firearms in vehicles, while also reducing the distance for hunting near schools and hospitals from 1,700 feet to 1,200 feet.

Furthermore, the bill consolidates and amends various sections of current law, including the penalties for carrying firearms in prohibited areas. It removes the distinction in penalties based on whether an individual has a concealed carry license, making violations a Class A misdemeanor for all individuals. The bill also retains specific prohibitions on carrying firearms in certain locations, such as police stations and secure mental health facilities, while adding new restrictions on places declared as nuisances and those prohibited under federal law. Overall, Senate Bill 607 aims to broaden the rights of individuals to carry concealed weapons while streamlining existing regulations and penalties.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 29.301(1)(b), 29.301, 167.31(2)(c), 167.31, 167.31(2)(d), 167.31(2)(e), 167.31(3)(a)2, 167.31(4)(a)(intro.), 167.31(4)(ag), 167.31(4)(am), 167.31(4)(b), 167.31(4)(c), 167.31(4)(cg)(intro.)