NRA weighs in on Wisconsin's Concealed Carry Rules

Posted by in Employer-Employee Relationship, Business Management / Comments

The National Rifle Association has voiced its displeasure over the emergency rules published by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.  In particular the NRA takes issue with the rule that requires before an individual may be licensed to carry a concealed weapon, he or she must first complete a minimum of four hours of training and such training must include hands-on training.  This rule arises from the Concealed Carry law's requirement that before an individual may be eligible for a license to carry a concealed weapon, he or she must present proof of training.

The NRA voiced its displeasure immediately upon publication of this rule and has stated today that they are considering all their options in addressing this rule.  The NRA is critical of this rule, because it believes Wisconsin law allows instructors to design their own training, dependent upon the course.  Furthermore, it criticizes what it classifies as a "one-size-fits-all" approach, because it believes the minimum number of hours of training will be too little for some and too much, or redundant for others.  The NRA representative, in his letter to State Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen, expressed concern the training requirement may "dissuade some otherwise eligible applicants from exercising their rights under the law because of the financial and logistical burdens involved."  Van Hollen responded, defending his rule as both necessary and lawful.

State legislators who defend the rule believe a minimum number of hours was necessary to ensure people are getting full training, and not for example, just being told to read a book before taking a test.  The NRA contends Wisconsin lawmakers initially rejected a requirement of a minimum number of hours in a proposed amendment to the law.

Governor Walker signed the emergency rules into effect on Friday October 14, 2011, and they will last a minimum of 150 days, and can be extended beyond that.  Governor Walker indicated he felt the emergency rules were necessary due to the impending enactment of the Concealed carry law on November 1, 2011, but also hinted that he may tend to side more with the NRA, indicating he hoped once permanent rules were published, the minimum number of hours requirement would be eliminated.

What if anything does this mean for business owners?  It certainly will not change the implementation of Wisconsin's Concealed Carry law on November 1, 2011.  Business owners who have not yet firmed up their policies, provided proper notices and made appropriate postings are again urged to do immediately.  However a continued fight over these rules may impact how many otherwise interested persons ultimately become licensed.

If you have any questions about Wisconsin's Concealed carry law, its requirements or how it may effect your business, please contact Lindsey R. King or any one of our Labor & Employment Team.