MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) – The state Justice Department asked lawmakers today for another $788,000 – mostly to keep up with the large number of applications for concealed weapons’ permits.

The agency has received over 120,000 applications since the concealed carry law took effect last November.

The department hired 30 new people to process those applications – and to perform the required background checks for the growing number of handgun buyers spurred by the new law. But Justice officials say turnover, training time, and the massive numbers of applications has slowed the process down.

Today, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee was asked for $384,000 dollars to hire eight full-timers to replace limited term workers. The department also wants $358,000 for supplies, and $46,000 for a new supervisor in its firearms’ unit – and for employee promotions within the agency.