MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A bill to end Wisconsin’s 140-year-old ban on concealed weapons could be headed to Governor Scott Walker later Tuesday.
The state Assembly will be asked to ratify a compromise measure passed by the Senate earlier this month. It’s the only bill on the Assembly’s agenda for Tuesday – and it’s expected to attract lots of debate.
The Senate approved a measure endorsed by the Joint Finance Committee, which requires state permits and training. Both had been left out of the GOP’s original version of the bill. But they were added after Republican Governor Scott Walker said he wanted both the permit system and training in the package.
Critics say it still has lots of loopholes. Jeri Bonavia of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort says the training could be nothing more than an Internet read and click program.
Also, disagreements remain about the places where concealed weapons should automatically be banned. They generally include police stations, airports, and courthouses. Other government buildings and businesses can ban them by putting up signs – but critics say the State Capitol should be automatically banned, considering the emotional protests and debates the building attracts.


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