Concealed carry has been in effect since Nov. 1 allowing people to carry concealed weapons throughout Wisconsin.
But it has been up to local governments whether they are allowing them in city-owned buildings.
And while many cities have banned them in these buildings since Gov. Scott Walker signed the law in July, the Waukesha Common Council decided Tuesday night after a 10-5 vote that it will allow registered individuals the right to carry inside municipal buildings.
Aldermen John Kalblinger, Terry Thieme, Duane Paulson, Vance Skinner and Roger Patton did not vote in favor of the ruling.
Business owners can prohibit concealed carry on their property by posting a sign.
To apply for a license, Wisconsin residents must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and provide proof they complete a firearms training course.
Initially, the state said four hours would be the minimum for training.
But last week, a Republican-controlled legislative committee (The Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules) dropped that rule and it also removed a requirement that applicants must have a signed statement from the instructor verifying that the course had been successfully completed.
The Department of Justice said people still need to have training, but the agency is no longer requiring applicants to document the amount of training they received.
Permits cost $50: $37 for the application process and $13 for a criminal background check.
Licenses are good for up to five years from the date in which they were issued and include handguns, electronic weapons such as Tasers, a knife other than a switchblade and billy clubs.
The law states people must carry their concealed carry license and a photo ID with them when carrying a concealed weapon.
For a complete look at requirements and other frequently asked questions regarding Wisconsin’s concealed carry weapon law, see the DOJ’s website at www.doj.state.wi.us/.
What is your reaction to the Common Council allowing concealed carry in city-owned buildings?