Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) today applauds Rep. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) and Sen. Dave Craig (R-Big Bend) for introducing Wisconsin’s Right to Carry legislation that will simplify Wisconsin law and allow law-abiding gun owners to carry their firearm in the manner that best suits their needs.
“This important piece of legislation means law-abiding gun owners will no longer have to jump through government hoops and pay fees to exercise a basic constitutional right in the way that works best for them,” said Scott Rausch, NRA-ILA Wisconsin state liaison. “Right to Carry is commonsense legislation for Wisconsin.”
Current law in Wisconsin allows residents to openly carry a firearm without a permit as long as it can be seen, such as on their hip. However, the moment that gun owner puts on a jacket, they become a criminal.
The introduced ‘Right to Carry’ legislation will allow Wisconsinites who are not otherwise prohibited from owning firearms to lawfully carry a firearm under their jacket or in a purse without first having to get a permit.
The bill will also create a basic license that will allow parents to pick-up and drop-off their children from school without having to leave their firearm at home. Further, it expands where concealed carry is legal. For example, if passed, gun owners will also be able to carry on their person while driving – an aspect that simplifies a confusing 2011 law that ensnared otherwise law-abiding people.
Twelve states have constitutional carry laws and data analysis shows no increase in crime has occurred. This year, an additional 20 states have or are still considering similar legislation.
The bill does not affect who can carry a firearm. Anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence, adjudicated mentally ill, dishonorably discharged from the military, or under 21, is not legally allowed to possess a firearm, and that remains so under LRB 2039.
“This NRA-backed bill is a step forward for freedom-loving Americans. There is no reason why law-abiding citizens should have to pay fees and fill out paperwork to exercise their rights,” concluded Rausch. The
NRA-ILA would like to thank Rep. Felzkowski and Sen. Craig for their leadership in proposing this legislation, and also extend a huge thank you to the 39 state Legislators who have added their names as co-authors of the legislation.
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.
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