Cameras and signs are banned from WI Capitol, but concealed guns are allowed. Seriously?

“By signing concealed carry into law today we are making Wisconsin safer for all responsible, law abiding citizens,” he said in a statement. The measure includes provisions requiring training and permits, which were sought by both Walker and Democrats. Some Republicans unsuccessfully pushed “constitutional carry” bills that would have allowed people to carry concealed guns without permits.

Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison) and some other Democrats said that the training requirement wasn’t enough to ensure that permit holders had an adequate background in gun safety or had even fired a gun. “I still think that the law that we have is a radical departure from Wisconsin’s history. It’s not at all clear to me that the concerns of law enforcement and the adequacy of training have really been addressed,” Roys said.

“Concealed carry is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it’s about personal safety and providing our citizens an opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm,” Galloway said. Under the law, the state Department of Justice will issue permits to state residents 21 and over who got training and cleared background checks that showed they were not felons or otherwise prohibited from carrying guns. The training could be satisfied by classes in firearms safety or hunter safety.

Permits will cost a maximum of $50 and be valid for five years. Renewing a license will cost $25. Guns will be banned from law enforcement offices, prisons, jails, courthouses, secure mental-health facilities, and the areas of airports beyond security checkpoints.

Guns will be allowed in city and state parks, an issue that raised concerns among some opponents of the bill. Permit holders will be able to carry guns in taverns and other places that sell alcohol, provided they are not drinking.