Assembly Bill 943 aims to enhance the safety of polling places in Wisconsin by prohibiting individuals from carrying firearms in or within 100 feet of polling locations during specific times. The bill establishes that this prohibition begins one hour before the polling place opens and ends one hour after it closes. Violating this prohibition would result in a Class A misdemeanor. However, exceptions are made for law enforcement officers, qualified out-of-state law enforcement officers, former officers, property owners within the restricted area, and private security personnel acting in their official capacity.

The bill also amends several sections of existing law to incorporate the new prohibition on carrying firearms at polling places, specifically referencing the newly created statute 941.236. It updates the definitions and conditions under which individuals may carry concealed weapons, ensuring that the new restrictions are clearly outlined in the context of existing firearm regulations. Additionally, the bill allows for the possibility of a report from the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties due to the creation of a new crime and the revision of penalties associated with existing firearm violations.

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, 973.137(1), 973.137