For More Information Contact:
Kelly Kennedy
608/266-7876
MADISON — Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager issued a letter to Governor Jim Doyle today urging him to veto Senate Bill 403, commonly referred to as the “Personal Protection Act,” because it is an affront to professional law enforcement and would make Wisconsin residents less safe.
“Concealed weapons have been illegal in our state for 133 years. Recent statistics show that violent crime has been declining on a statewide basis. It simply makes no sense to alter the law in this fashion,” Lautenschlager said.
In the letter, Lautenschlager said the legislation implies “that our professional law enforcement officers in Wisconsin cannot be trusted with information regarding those permitted to carry concealed. Wisconsin law enforcement officers should have access to this information in the course of performing their duties.”
The legislation also fails to include basic provisions to ensure the safety of Wisconsin residents. This includes: failing to stipulate training requirements for those who want to carry a concealed weapon, failing to limit the carrying of concealed weapons in venues where it is likely to be dangerous and unnecessary, and failing to provide for positive identification of permit applicants. Finally, the legislation places significant administrative obligations on the Wisconsin Department of Justice without providing the needed funding.
“In short, even if one were supportive of the concept, the legislation needs considerable improvement in its particulars to provide the protections that Wisconsin citizens deserve,” Lautenschlager said.
Lautenschlager’s letter to the Governor is attached.
