Assembly bills that would loosen Wisconsin gun laws draw divided reaction – wausaupilotandreview.com

By Shereen Siewert

Public reaction is mixed on a number of bills passed by Republicans in the Wisconsin State Assembly that would loosen the states gun laws by allowing guns to be carried on school grounds and in churches. The proposals also would allow people younger than 21 to carry concealed firearms.

The bills Thursday include AB-495, which allows people with concealed carry permits to bring a firearm in their vehicle onto school grounds; AB-498, which lowers the minimum age from 21 to 18 for a concealed carry permit and AB-597, which allows people to carry firearms onto the grounds of a place of worship.A Democratic amendment to AB-495 that would have required background checks for gun sales in the state failed on a 60-36 vote.

Supporters say the proposals aim to protect Second Amendment rights, but critics say the bills could endanger children and communities. Some Democrats voiced concern that the bills would make it possible for a high school senior to legally bring a firearm to school, putting other students at risk.

Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, said the legislation, combined with federal law that bans people younger than 21 from purchasing handguns from federally licensed firearm dealers, could lead to an increase in teens who could not pass a background check carrying concealed handguns in Wisconsin.

So I dont know about you, but I dont want to make it possible for an 18-year-old senior who is maybe having a fight with his friend or had a bad day at football practice, or is stressed out, Snodgrass is quoted in WisPolitics.com. I do not want that young person to be able to have a firearm on school property, at a practice, at a restaurant where theyre fighting with their girlfriend.

The bill would require a school board that elects not to offer a firearm education or hunter safety course to adopt a resolution confirming that decision, according to WisPolitics.com. Those that offer the course would be required to have someone who demonstrates proof of training in firearm safety to teach the course.

Weston Trustee Nate Fiene issued a statement Thursday that criticized the bills.

I cannot fathom any logical problem that this solves, Fiene said. Given the tense nature of school board meetings already, this reckless and totally obscene vote cannot be in the public good. It serves only to significantly increase the risk of public endangerment and reduce public safety.

Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers and author of AB 498, in a floor speech said Democrats opposed to the measure want to ensure young adults are stripped of more than just their 2nd Amendment rights.

Its also about the 14th Amendment too, equality under the law, he said. 18, 19 and 20-year-old adults are not committing some sort of crime where we should deny their rights.

But Rep. Deb Adnraca, D-Whitefish Bay, said in a pre-session news conference that she supports the Second Amendment but is opposed to legislation that would allow firearms in or around schools.

Im a mom, Im a teacher and Im a gun owner, Andraca said. I have my concealed carry permit and my basic handgun certification. I support the Second Amendment right to own guns for hunting, sport and for personal protection. But I can also tell you from personal experience, guns do not belong in, or anywhere near, schools.

The chamber also approved AB 518, which would allow anyone licensed in another state to carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin.

Gov Tony Evers is likely to veto the bills.

Read this article:
Assembly bills that would loosen Wisconsin gun laws draw divided reaction - wausaupilotandreview.com