Early this morning, Assembly Bill 69 passed in the Assembly by a voice vote after the state Senate amended the original language yesterday. There was large bipartisan support for AB 69 in the Senate where it passed by a 26 to 7 vote. The Assembly concurred with the Senate amendment and the final version of this bill now goes to Governor Scott Walker for his signature.
Commonly known as the “Castle Doctrine,” AB 69 would provide essential protections for law-abiding citizens who defend themselves and their families from a criminal looking to do them harm. “Castle Doctrine” establishes the presumption that an individual who forcibly enters ones home, business or occupied motor vehicle is there to cause death or great bodily harm, and allows force, including deadly force, against that person. This bill also eliminates any “duty to retreat” so that law-abiding citizens no longer must turn their back on a criminal and try to run when attacked. Finally, AB 69 would provide that any person who uses force authorized by law shall not be prosecuted for using such force and also prohibits criminals and their families from suing victims for injuring or killing the criminals who have attacked them. In short, it restores rights to law-abiding people and forces judges and prosecutors to focus on protecting victims. AB 69 was introduced by state Representative Dean Kaufert (R-55) in the Assembly and cosponsored by state Senator Van Wanggaard (R-21).
We would like to extend a special thanks to Assembly Leader Scott Suder (R-69) for his leadership in ensuring that the “Castle Doctrine” bill was quickly addressed this morning in the Assembly after it was amended in the state Senate. We would also like to thank state Senator Lena Taylor (D-4) for her outspoken support for AB 69.
Also, pro-hunting Senate Bill 228 passed by a 65 to 31 vote in the Assembly and will now also be sent to Governor Walker for his consideration. It is illegal for a firearm to be in one’s vehicle while uncased or loaded. SB 228 would protect hunters from breaking the law by simply allowing firearms, bows and crossbows to be uncased and loaded in their vehicles while hunting. This common sense legislation keeps hunters from being penalized for doing something quite practical and safe, while improving the appeal of Wisconsin’s rich hunting heritage from unnecessary regulations. SB 228 was introduced by state Senator Terry Moulton (R-23) and cosponsored by state Representative Scott Krug (R-72) in the Assembly.
Though Governor Walker has already voiced his support for both AB 69 and SB 228, please contact him today and respectfully urge him to sign these NRA-backed bills. To contact the Governor, e-mail him at [email protected].