12/14/2005

Wisconsin Assembly Passes Concealed Handgun Bill with 2/3rds Vote

The Assembly just barely got the 2/3rd required to override a veto by Democrat Gov. Jim Doyle. If supporters can keep these votes, they will be able to pass right-to-carry this year.

The Wisconsin Assembly passed 64-32 a bill that would let Wisconsin residents carry hidden guns and knives.

WHAT'S NEXT?: The bill returns to the state Senate. That body approved a version of it last week. But Assembly Republicans scaled the plan back in an effort to ensure enough support from Democrats to override Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's anticipated veto. Both houses must approve an identical version before it goes to the governor.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT?: The Assembly attached an amendment that sets up more training for gun owners, tightens restrictions on carrying concealed weapons while drinking and sets up new school zones where concealed weapons would be illegal.


More detail here:

. . . The amendment to the concealed weapons bill wasn’t introduced until late Tuesday and included provisions that would:

Lower the allowable blood-alcohol concentration for those carrying a concealed weapon to 0.02, from 0.08.
Create a 100-foot safety zone around school property into which guns couldn’t be carried.
Require a refresher training course for permit holders every five years.
Make the filing of a false application a felony, not a misdemeanor as it was written.
Rep. Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford) said he thought the amendment, which passed 71 to 25, was enough to sway some Democrats into sticking with the majority in a veto override.

Gunderson and other supporters say the bill will reduce crime and make Wisconsin safer.

"It’s important for people to be able to protect themselves," Gunderson said.

Supporters could have the two-thirds majority necessary to uphold the veto. Add to the 64 votes those expected from Rep. Mary Williams (R-Medford), who wasn’t present for the vote, and from the person filling the now-vacant 33rd Assembly District seat, and the number would be at the required 66. A replacement for former Republican Rep. Dan Vrakas, now Waukesha County Executive, will be elected Jan. 10. . . .


Off the top of my head I don't know of any states that have this restrictive of a rule regarding alcohol consumption. The hundred foot rule could create some real problems if it covers the roads next to schools.

1 Comments:

Blogger John Lott said...

Thanks, Chris.

12/16/2005 4:02 PM  

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