This week, I joined thirty-nine of my legislative colleagues in co-authoring "Right to Carry" legislation.  The intent of this legislation is to simplify state law while simultaneously fortifying the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Wisconsinites.  At its essence, the bill does two things: removes the barriers to the exercise of a constitutional right and simplifies the law.  If individuals choose to carry a firearm to protect themselves and their family, they should be able to do so without bureaucratic hurdles and cost.

The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of our nation's foundational document, the Constitution of the United States, and is further enumerated in Wisconsin's constitution. LRB 2039 expands freedoms and liberties for Wisconsinites while simultaneously protecting private property rights.

Under current law, the "open" or exposed carry of a firearm is legal without a concealed carry license.  However, current law does not allow an individual to conceal one's firearm in a jacket, briefcase, or purse, without a concealed carry permit.  By eliminating the concealed carry licensure requirement, this bill aligns concealed and open carry laws with those enacted by the federal government.  Furthermore, it ensures that law-abiding citizens will be afforded the same right to carry that they currently have to carry openly. 

In writing this legislation, we found ambiguities in the law and 'gotcha' clauses which have tripped people up.  The simplifications in this bill will help citizens more easily comprehend the law and avoid getting wrapped up in a court battle for something that should be lawful.  The bill will also create a basic licensure that will allow parents to pick-up and drop-off their children from school in designated areas, without having to leave their firearm at home.  The bill maintains all local control and private property rights by allowing the posting of schools, school grounds, government buildings, and private property.

As someone who spent my career championing private property rights, I worked with my colleagues to ensure they were protected by this legislation.  The "Right to Carry" legislation does not diminish the ability of businesses, educational institutions or governmental entities to post their building or other facilities, as "gun free zones."

This legislation is a win-win for everyone, as it protects property rights and affords law-abiding citizens with the ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.  At this writing, twelve states have passed similar legislation and an additional twenty are considering the enactment of "Right to Carry" laws, this session.

I am interested in obtaining your feedback on this legislative proposal.  Please visit my website to learn more about the legislation and sign a petition expressing your support for "Right to Carry."

This week in the News

Legislation that I am working on was featured in several local and statewide newspapers, in the past several weeks.

Listening sessions

On Friday, March 31, 2017, I will be accompanying United States Representative Jim Sensenbrenner at his second round of in-district office hours.  Representative Sensenbrenner and I will host one half-hour listening session to respond to constituent inquiries, questions, and concerns affecting Sixtieth District constituents.

Representative Sensenbrenner and I will visit the following location:
9:00-9:30 a.m., Newburg Village Hall--614 Main Street, Newburg 53060.

I look forward to hearing constituent feedback regarding the 2017-2019 biennial budget.  Listening sessions are an invaluable tool for understanding the issues of importance to constituents and learning what is going on at the state and federal levels.

Participating in a town hall meeting with United States Representative Jim Sensenbrenner.

Additionally, I will be hosting a series of budget-related listening sessions, next month, with Senator Duey Stroebel. Your attendance and input at these meetings will allow me to better ascertain which budget-related issues are of greatest importance to voters in Wisconsin's Sixtieth Assembly District. The dates, times, and locations of my listening sessions are as follows:

• Tuesday, April 18, 2017--Port Washington (5:30-6:30 p.m.). W.J. Niederkorn Library, 316 West Grand Avenue, Port Washington.

• Tuesday, April 18, 2017--Cedarburg (7:00-8:00 p.m.). Cedarburg Police Department, W75N444 Wauwatosa Road, Cedarburg.

• Wednesday, April 19, 2017--Jackson (7:00-8:00 p.m.). Jackson Village Hall, N168W20733 Main Street, Jackson.

Participating in a 2016 listening session with Senator Duey Stroebel, at the Cedarburg Public Library

Have a great week,

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