Last week I was looking for information on the rules and requirements for the concealed carry permits soon to be issued in the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has a website with a question and answer page (pdf file), and I have read it but still was a bit confused about the requirements. Friday morning the Wisconsin Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen, gave an interview to Pat Snyder on News Talk Radio, WSAU, Van Hollen pretty much answered all the question I would have had for him. Here are the high points.
First off, people who can legally own and possess a handgun can be issued a permit under the law. The permit will be issued through the Wisconsin Department of Justice starting November 1, 2011. That means individuals of the age of 21 or older, that are not felons and not legally prohibited from owning a firearm can apply. There will be a back ground check for all applicants, that is part of the cost of the permit.
There is a training requirement of 4 hours of class by a certified instructor. That instructor has to be certified through a state or national organization as a firearms instructor to qualify to teach the class. There is no live fire training required during the class. Wisconsin’s hunter safety classes also qualify for the training requirements.
The cost of the permits is 50 dollars and they are good for five years. That includes both the price of the federal back ground check and the issuing of the permit.
After such a long time, Wisconsin is finally joining the 48 other states in our country that allows honest citizens to carry a weapon for self defense. Really it is a constitutional right that we in Wisconsin could not exercise, and I for one do plan on carrying. However, my hope is that my fellow citizens will take this situation very seriously and learn all they can about lawful self defense. There are many legal aspects to be considered before you take on this right that is also a great responsibility. Learn all you can please.
Sources: J.B. Van Hollen interview
Wisconsin Dept. of Justice web page