Recent debate over interpretation of the concealed carry law's requirements may fundamentally alter the controversial law's implementation throughout Wisconsin.
While the law requires citizens to obtain certification from state or nationally certified firearm safety instructors and organizations, there is no mention of what constitutes sufficient training.
According to Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's interpretation of the law, four hours of accredited firearms training is required to receive a concealed carry permit.
To Rep. Evan Wynn, R-Whitewater, who does not approve of the four hours of mandatory training, a blanket amount of training time is restrictive for some experienced gun owners.
For others with a lack of firearm knowledge and experience, he said, four hours of training may not be enough.
""When you train, you train to a standard. Whether a person could [sufficiently handle a gun] the first time … or if it took three days, you don't let it go when the clock expires,"" Wynn said.
The National Rifle Association also opposes the four-hour requirement, according to an open letter sent to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
""A one-size-fits-all training requirement would be insufficient for some and unnecessary for others and would dissuade some otherwise eligible applicants from exercising their right [to carry concealed weapons] under the law,"" Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA-ILA, said in his letter to Van Hollen.
—Kendalyn Thoma and Rachel Hahn
