The state Assembly, in heated debates over the controversial Senate Bill 214, failed to finish voting on all 68 amendments by press time.
If passed, this bill could allow persons to carry a concealed weapon to their homes and businesses. In an issue for UW-Madison students, the bill would allow concealed weapons on campus but not inside campus buildings.
\That's the whole purpose of concealed weapons: That nobody knows you have them,"" said state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, after several representatives expressed concern over the idea of persons carrying a weapon without the public's general knowledge.
Current law allows police officers to carry concealed weapons and also prohibits the presence of firearms in public buildings, taverns, state parks and schools.
SB214 would require a county sheriff to issue concealed carry licenses to persons meeting specific qualifications, particularly that they are 21 years old, have not been convicted of felonies prohibiting possession of a firearm and have completed a firearm safety course. The Department of Justice must also conduct a background check of all license applicants.
State Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, D-Milwaukee, a practicing physician, said the Assembly should prohibit concealed weapons in health care facilities. He said passions erupt in health care facilities because of traumatic events.
""If [patients and their families] had a gun, in some instances, I think they would shoot,"" Wasserman said. ""[Health care facilities] are hotbeds of tremendous emotions.""
Representatives also disagreed on what provisions they should place on potential concealed carry licenses. State Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, said he was sure ""100 percent of permit holders"" would abide by all potential provisions. However, others, while hesitant to make too many amendments to the license, felt there were not enough provisions to ensure public safety.
""A license is not a right; a license is a privilege,"" said state Rep. Gregg Underheim, R-Oshkosh. ""We can impose upon a privilege any condition we think is rational.""
Gov. Doyle has said he will veto the bill if the Assembly passes it. The Senate already voted to pass the bill Oct. 24 by a margin of 24-8.
