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Bill > SB167

WI SB167

WI SB167
Possession of a firearm on school grounds by school employees and fees for licenses to carry a concealed weapon. (FE)

summary

Introduced
04/03/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
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 LRB-1593/1 CMH:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 167 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 Wisconsin state law regarding firearm possession on school grounds and concealed weapon licensing fees, primarily focusing on two key areas. First, the bill creates an exception to the existing prohibition on firearms in schools, allowing licensed teachers and school employees to carry a firearm on school grounds if the school's governing body (such as a school board, charter school operator, or private/tribal school governing entity) adopts a specific policy permitting this. Second, the bill waives the initial application fee, renewal fee, and background check fee for teachers applying for a concealed weapon license. The legislation aligns state law more closely with federal law, which already allows licensed individuals to possess firearms on school grounds if they pass a background check. The bill specifically requires that for a teacher to be exempt from the school firearm prohibition, they must be employed by the school and the school must have an explicit policy allowing licensed employees to carry weapons. By removing financial barriers to licensing for educators and providing a clear pathway for school-specific firearm policies, the bill aims to give schools and teachers more discretion in managing school safety and personal protection.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs (on 04/03/2025)
(1 Companion Bills)

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