Dane County responded to the state's law allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons with new restrictions meant to keep firearms out of county buildings.
As of Nov. 1, the first day the law will be implemented, signs will be posted forbidding firearms in all county-owned buildings, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced Tuesday.
The state law, signed by Gov. Scott Walker July 8, allows Wisconsinites to carry concealed weapons in public spaces. Republicans supported the law, which passed with a majority in both the state Assembly and state Senate.
Parisi said he thought the Dane County provisions would make citizens safer.
""Take the airport for example,"" Parisi said. ""It is important for our citizens and people traveling through our airport to know that we do not allow people to enter the airport with guns.""
""It's just common sense public safety,"" Parisi said.
The restrictions also apply to special events that take place outdoors on county grounds. Concealed firearms will still be permitted on state parks and trails.
Outdoor special events on campus and in the county will have signs prohibiting firearms at entrances to the event.
UW-Madison also introduced its own restrictions on the law earlier this month, and will post signs to prohibit people from bringing firearms inside buildings.
Even though the county and university have created provisions to restrict firearms in public buildings, they do not have the authority to keep them out of public areas under their jurisdiction.
