MADISON, Wisc. (April 20, 2017) – A so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill filed in the Wisconsin House would make it legal for most Wisconsinians to carry a firearm without a license, and foster an environment hostile to federal gun control.
A coalition of 51 representatives and senators introduced Assembly Bill 247 (AB247) on April 14. The legislation would eliminate the general prohibition against going armed
without a license. Practically speaking, AB247 would would allow persons not otherwise prohibited by other laws to carry concealed weapons without a license.
The proposed law would also eliminate blanket restrictions on carrying firearms in specified places, but would allow those places to post buildings and grounds so that individuals who carry a firearm in violation of the posting commit trespass.
AB247 would leave the current conceal carry licensing process in place in Wisconsin. This will allow residents who want to carry a concealed firearm in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin to obtain a license for that purpose.
“Constitutional carry is a big step toward being able to exercise a natural right that has been infringed at all levels for far too long,” ShallNot.org policy lead Scott Landreth said.
While constitutional carry bills do not directly affect federal gun control, widespread passage of permitless conceal carry laws in states subtly undermines federal efforts to regulate guns. As we’ve seen with marijuana and industrial hemp, a federal regulation becomes ineffective when states ignore it and pass laws encouraging the prohibited activity anyway. The federal government lacks the enforcement power necessary to maintain its ban, and people will willingly take on the small risk of federal sanctions if they know the state will not interfere. This increases when the state actively encourages “the market.”
Less restrictive state gun laws will likely have a similar impact on federal gun laws. It will make it that much more difficult for the feds to enforce any future federal gun control, and increase the likelihood that states with few limits will simply refuse to cooperate with federal enforcement efforts.
State actions like passage of AB247 would lower barriers for those wanting to the option of defending themselves with firearms and encourages a “gun-friendly” environment that would make federal efforts to limit firearms that much more difficult.
WHAT’S NEXT
AB247 was referred to the House State Affairs Committee where it must pass by a majority vote before moving forward in the legislative process.
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