A bill just proposed in the Wisconsin Legislature would allow conceal carry permit holders to bring their guns onto school grounds. NBC26 spoke with the author of the bill and a local school district regarding their feelings about the potential change.
Just this summer off duty and retired law enforcement were given the right to carry a gun onto school grounds. But this newly proposed bill takes the conceal and carry debate on school grounds one step further.
In Oshkosh students and parents are greeted at every school with a friendly reminder, no weapons. But some who possess a conceal and carry permit are left wondering if they can bring their gun in? Oshkosh's superintendent though, has only been asked that question once.
"I've been a superintendent since 1982 and it's the only person that has ever asked me," says Stan Mack the Oshkosh Area School District Superintendent.
The bill's sponsor says for those who have a permit, the change in law could prevent major charges if they ever wind up in court.
“That inadvertently makes well intentioned people felons if they were to carry on school grounds...it permits the carry and conceal license holder to drop their children off at school to be on school grounds as long as they have their permit," says State Senator Mary Lazich.
And while the proposal would leave it up to each school district as to whether or not a permit holder could bring their gun inside of the building, the new debate has left some with major concerns.
"We would prefer that the only weapon that exists in school is under the supervision of police," adds Superintendent Mack.
"I do think that this is a bad idea. Having more guns in school ground’s does not make anybody safer," adds Representative Amanda Stuck of Appleton.
In the meantime the bill’s author hopes to pass it through legislature in the next couple months.
Do you support the bill, or oppose it? The best way to have your voice heard on the matter is to reach out to your state representative.
