Senate Bill 607 proposes significant changes to the laws governing the carrying of concealed weapons in Wisconsin. The bill repeals various sections of current law that prohibit individuals from carrying concealed weapons without a license or law enforcement identification card. It maintains the option for individuals to obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon, which is necessary for carrying in states that require such licensure and for compliance with federal laws regarding firearms in school zones. The bill also modifies the background check requirements for obtaining a concealed carry license, limiting it to federal prohibitions only, and eliminates the general prohibition against carrying firearms in government buildings while retaining specific restrictions for certain locations like police stations and secure mental health facilities.

Additionally, the bill reduces the distance required for hunting near hospitals and schools from 1,700 feet to 1,200 feet and removes the prohibition on loading firearms in vehicles, except for handguns. It consolidates and renumbers various provisions related to firearm possession and transport, and it eliminates distinctions in penalties based on whether an individual holds a concealed carry license. The bill also introduces new penalties for violations of the updated regulations, categorizing them uniformly as Class A misdemeanors. Overall, the bill aims to expand the rights of individuals to carry concealed weapons while streamlining existing regulations.

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.)