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Bill > AB55

WI AB55

WI AB55
Possession of a firearm on school grounds by school employees and fees for licenses to carry a concealed weapon. (FE)

summary

Introduced
02/24/2025
In Committee
02/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Both federal law and state law prohibit a person from possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. Federal and state law provide several identical exceptions to the prohibition, such as for law enforcement and for persons in accordance with a contract between the person and the school. Federal law provides another exception for a person who is licensed to possess a firearm by the state if the state requires a background check to ensure the person is qualified for the license. Since the Department of Justice requires a background check before it issues a person a license to carry a concealed weapon, a licensee is allowed under federal law to possess a firearm on the grounds of a school. State law, however, does not provide an identical exception, so a licensee is prohibited under state law from possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. This bill creates a state exception that is similar to the federal exception. Under the bill, a person who has a license issued by DOJ may possess a firearm on the grounds of a school if the person is employed by the school and the school board or governing entity has adopted a policy that allows employees who are licensees to possess a firearm. Under current law, a person who applies to DOJ for a license to carry a concealed weapon must pay an application fee and a person who is renewing a license must pay a renewal fee. DOJ must set the fee amount on the basis of the cost it incurs in licensing, but the fee can be no more than $37 for an initial license and $12 for a license renewal. In addition, the person must pay for a background check for each initial application and renewal application; that fee amount is currently $10. The bill waives the initial application fee, renewal fee, and background check fee for teachers who apply for a license. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill modifies state law regarding firearm possession on school grounds and fees for concealed carry licenses, primarily focusing on allowing certain school employees to possess firearms on school property under specific conditions. The bill creates an exception to the current prohibition on firearms in schools for licensed employees, permitting them to carry a weapon if their school board or governing entity has adopted a policy explicitly allowing such possession. Additionally, the legislation waives initial application fees, renewal fees, and background check fees for teachers applying for concealed carry licenses. For public, charter, private, parochial, and tribal schools, the bill requires a specific policy to be adopted before an employee can bring a firearm onto school grounds. The bill also adjusts some technical language related to license fees and background check requirements, ensuring that the fee amounts do not exceed $37 for an initial license and $12 for a renewal. By creating this targeted exception and reducing financial barriers for educators seeking concealed carry licenses, the bill aims to provide more flexibility for school employee firearm possession while maintaining specific procedural safeguards.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety (on 02/24/2025)
(1 Companion Bills)

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