Permitless Carry On The Move In Wisconsin

by
posted on September 21, 2017
17-nrz-010_mark_main_9-21.jpg

After gaining traction in several states last legislative session, permitless carry is now picking up steam in Wisconsin.

Earlier this week, a Senate committee voted along party lines to pass SB 169, which removes the licensing requirement for those who want to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense. The National Rifle Association is strongly supporting the measure.

The bill was introduced earlier this year by state Sen. David Craig and state Rep. Mary Felzkowski, and boasts 39 co-sponsors.

“We already give people the ability to openly carry a firearm without a license,” Sen. Craig said in a statement when announcing the legislation. “With this bill, law-abiding citizens will have the same right to carry discreetly that they currently have to carry openly.

“If you decide to throw on a coat, you should not be considered a criminal.”

Twelve states—Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming—have already adopted permitless carry laws, often referred to as “constitutional carry” laws because they expressly affirm the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

In truth, the Wisconsin legislation simply recognizes a law-abiding adult’s unconditional right to keep and bear arms for self-defense in the manner he or she chooses …Permitless carry denotes legal recognition of the choice to carry a firearm (usually a handgun) without a special permit. Anyone not specifically prohibited from carrying a sidearm would thereby be free to exercise their right to arms without navigating yards of red tape and paying restrictive fees. 

In practice, concealed carry is the main point at issue in the battle currently being waged in Wisconsin and across the nation. Many of the states that have drafted legislation in support of permitless concealed carry already extend such a right to open carry. In fact, 30 states already recognize the right to carry a handgun openly without a permit—a fact that you’ll seldom hear from those opposing permitless carry legislation. 

In truth, the Wisconsin legislation simply recognizes a law-abiding adult’s unconditional right to keep and bear arms for self-defense in the manner he or she chooses, while doing away with government licensing and taxing of a constitutional right. Consider that there were only six states that recognized permitless carry on Jan. 1, 2016, compared to the 12 that have such laws now.

SB 169 now heads to the full Wisconsin Senate for consideration. If the measure is passed by the legislature and signed into law, Wisconsin would become the 13th state to not mandate permits for carrying a concealed firearm for self-defense.

As with most states considering permitless carry, Wisconsin would leave the current permitting system in effect for those who wish to acquire permits in order to participate in reciprocity agreements with other states.

Mark Chesnut has been the editor of America’s 1st Freedom magazine for 17 years and is an avid hunter, shooter and political observer.

USE YOUR POWER!

Wisconsin gun owners are encouraged to contact their state senator and ask him or her to support constitutional carry in the Badger State. You can contact your senator by clicking here.

 

Latest

Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom

A Gun-Control Amendment?

Gavin Newsom is openly trying to amend the U.S. Constitution to include what he calls “common-sense” gun-control regulations. It seems he doesn’t understand what’s already plainly written in the Constitution.

A Win for Freedom in Maryland

Maryland’s Draconian requirements for purchasing a handgun were recently deemed unconstitutional in yet another post-Bruen win for the Second Amendment.

We Can’t Believe These Agencies

Too often, the U.S. government skews statistics on gun use to push false narratives.

Data Shows Gun Ownership Growing in America

Gun ownership throughout America is continuing to grow, according to recent poll data.

Gun Review: Girsan MC P35

The Hi Power is a classic that didn’t get much updating in its heyday. Girsan has brought it up to 21st century standards.

Why It’s Hard To Be A Young Competitive Shooter These Days

Some of the top young adults in the shooting sports give their thoughts on the impact of programs for youth.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.